April 27, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 20, 1429

NEW DELHI, April 26: The Indian government would import more cement, if necessary, to address the demand-supply mismatch and to control prices in its domestic market.

“We have allowed cement import and a substantial amount of 130,000 tons has already arrived from Pakistan. If further imports are necessary to address the demand-supply mismatch, it will be done,” Minister of State for Industry Ashwani Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry here on Saturday.

Mr Kumar, however, did not give the quantum of cement that would be imported.

Besides looking at ways to increase the domestic production capacity, he said the government was engaged with cement producers to ensure there was no cartelisation in the sector.

“While companies can make profits, profiteering will not be allowed,” he said.

India had banned cement exports to boost domestic supplies and keep a check on rising prices.-—PPI