GST is not just an accounting changeover but a systemic one! And the countries who adopted GST faced inflationary pressures during early stages of the cut over time, but proved otherwise in the long run.

The fundamental aspect of GST is the seamless flow of input tax credit along the entire value addition chain, believes Amman Devralia, Executive Director (Whole Time Director) and Head of Finance, IT & Administration, Humboldt Wedag India Private Ltd.

In the mature market of industrial packaging, cement manufacturers have made the switch to sustainable bags in a bid to enhance protection and improve handleability, increasing all-weather shelf life and curbing messy seepages.

Polypropylene packing, according to Ashwin Moghe, Vice President – Technical Services, UltraTech Cement, is the best suited for cement in India, considering transportation, pilferage and importantly, handling.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has clearly stated that the cement sector should adhere to the 50 kg bag packaging rule. Now, within the stipulated rules set by BIS, there are essentially multiple packaging options available.

There has been a definite trend towards consolidation in the Indian cement industry. But often, these deals — both overseas and domestic — have actually resulted in value erosion. ICR takes a closer look at the dynamics behind the trend towards consolidation.

The cement industry was looking for brighter days ahead, considering the potential that pet coke has as a fuel. But with a statutory ban on the usage of the commodity hanging fire, a few environmental concerns need to be addressed before pet coke utilisation comes of age.

US oil firms produce large quantities of pet coke, which is expensive to store. Because of this, these companies are keen to sell their pet coke to energy-hungry developing nations, says JONATHAN LYONS.

The cost of manufacturing cement depends on the input cost of fuel. Pet coke, as a fuel, had to some extent answered this issue over the last couple of years. But the recent decision to review use of pet coke by the country's apex court is likely to be a major blow to the use of this commodity.