The demand for cement in Bangladesh decreased by 14 per cent year-on-year to 4 million tonnes in March due to delays in implementation of government projects and reduced private construction activities, according to the industry people.

Cement consumption normally reaches year-high in March, but this year it experienced a year-on-year fall, which is a rare case, cement manufacturers said.

The import-dependent cement industry is currently in dire straits because of multiple problems, including an increase in import price of raw materials, dollar crisis, complications in opening of letters of credit and price hikes of diesel, gas and electricity, they said.

On the other hand, the decrease in cement demand during the peak session has become an additional concern for cement producers, they added.

They made the comments in a discussion on the current crisis in the cement industry and the way forward, organised by the Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden Hotel, presided over by Md Alamgir Kabir, president of the organisation.