Voices

`The Government's highway project as well as housing would drive the demand for cement.'-- Mr N. S. Sekhsaria, Managing Director, Gujarat Ambuja Cements.

`There is no cartel among cement manufacturers to determine the price. However, there is price parallelism.' -- Mr N Srinivasan, Managing Director, India Cements.

`We can only request the cement producers to reduce the prices but not compel the owners. Only the Centre has the authority to take a decision on this matter.' -- Comment by the Tamil Nadu Government.

`If the current trend is any indication, the industry should grow by seven per cent this year.' -- Mr T M M Nambiar, President Cement Manufacturer's Association and Managing Director, ACC.

`Demand is expected to grow at a higher level in the northern region than any other region in the next three years.' -- Comment by CRISIL, the rating agency.

`Demand for cement is expected to grow by six per cent in 2001-02 and by eight per cent going forward. This will be the last year when demand will fall short of supply.' -- Mr Anil Singhvi, Director, Gujarat Ambuja Cements.

`We have cut costs to the bone. We are completely conscious that the interest costs are high. There is no need to be overly concerned over high interest charges.' -- Mr N Srinivasan, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, India Cements on interest costs which have risen following acquisitions in the last couple of years.

`The new improved high performance composite cement under the brand, Birla Plus is expected to set a benchmark and raise the quality standards of conventional cement several fold.' -- Mr O. P. Puranmalka, Senior President, Grasim Industries.