Cement sector faces muted Q1 FY27 as heat, water scarcity hit demand: Ashika's Jyoti Gupta

India's cement sector faces a subdued start to FY27, with extended heat and water scarcity dampening construction despite a delayed monsoon. Analysts anticipate a significant slowdown in demand growth, with volumes projected at 4-5% compared to last year's 7-8%. Margins are also under pressure from rising costs, with a recovery expected in the latter half of the fiscal year.