Kathmandu: Hetauda Cement Industry has suspended production from today due to its inability to procure coal in a timely manner, owing to financial constraints. The industry consumes 3,600 metric tonnes of coal per month.
Basanta Raj Pandey, the Industry’s General Manager, said that the plant had been operational before the onset of the Dashain festival holiday, producing 300,000 sacks of cement during that time. Pandey said the economic crisis as the reason they were unable to procure coal from third countries, leading to the current production halt.
He also said that the dire situation had been communicated to the Minister and the Secretary of the Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Ministry. Pandey said that production could resume if the federal government offers financial assistance.
Also, the industry has arranged for the distribution and sale of a total of 300,000 sacks of cement to various cities, including Kathmandu. The revenue generated from these sales would be allocated for the purchase of coal. Currently, the Industry employs approximately 390 individuals.
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