According to Vicem, from the beginning of the year to date, the corporation has sold over 2.6 million tones of cement, up 14% against the same period last year and at the same time, ensured a reserve of over one million tonnes of clinker, powder cement and packaged cement.
Though supplies are still enough to meet domestic demand, the cement market in Hanoi has become increasingly in recent days.
One of the reasons is that there are difficulties in transporting cement via the waterways due to it being the dry season and the low water levels. In addition, prices of petrol and oil have increased sharply, thus fuel costs have increased to, accounting for 50% of total revenue, making owners of water-based transport vehicles to reduce their transporting capacity or even stopping work temporarily. This has affected the waterway transport capacity while the railway sector can not meet the increasing demand for transport of cement.
To cope with the situation, the Vicem has requested their member subsidiaries to transport cement to Hanoi, ensuring a supply of 30,000 tonnes of cement a day.
The Hoang Thach Cement Company alone will be responsible for providing 3,500 to 4,000 tonnes of cement a day, up 1,000-1,500 tonnes a day compared to the previous period.
In addition, Vicem has also asked their subsidiaries to strengthen inspection and supervision while cement is being transported on the way and strictly deal with those who engage in speculation, prices increases and market fixing. Cement companies must take a close watch at development of the market, promote co-ordination to ensure meeting the demand for cement of the market.