The ban on cement exports was imposed on April 11th with a view to improve the supplies and curb the prices in the months of April, May and June, when the pre-monsoon construction activity peaks. Now the Commerce Ministry says that during the monsoon months of June and July, very few people construct houses and the demand will come down and so, the decision will help to keep the market going. If that be so, why not allow exports from all the ports? Why help only a few?
This is not the first time that such a decision has been taken. In March, export of edible oils was banned but later allowed only through Kochi port.
The exchange rates for June notified (45/2008 dated 28.05.2008) by the Central Board of Excise and Customs show significant variation from those notified for May (39/2998 dated 28.04.2008). For example, the rate for one US dollar for imports for May was Rs. 40.60, whereas for June, it is Rs.43.10