Egypt offers incentives to boost cement output, stabilise prices amid Oct celebrations

Egypt is introducing new incentives for cement producers to ramp up local output and help stabilise prices, as part of a special initiative tied to 6 October War Victory celebrations, Minister of Industry Kamel El-Wazir said on Saturday.

Under the scheme, factories that operate at full licensed capacity and expand production during October will receive discounts on fees related to amending capacity limits in their operating licences, the ministry said in a statement.

The announcement followed a meeting between El-Wazir and cement producers to review the sector’s performance, recent price declines, and efforts to restart suspended production lines. A report presented at the meeting showed that some plants have the technical capability to produce beyond their licensed limits, prompting the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to consider requests for expansion to enhance efficiency and balance supply and demand.

El-Wazir said the ministry is working closely with each producer to remove administrative and technical barriers and speed up the full resumption of operations. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce production costs through the adoption of alternative energy sources, such as fuels derived from agricultural and household waste, which meet environmental standards.

Producers expressed interest in using alternative fuels to lower expenses and improve competitiveness. El-Wazir directed the Egyptian Organisation for Standardisation and Quality, the IDA, and energy specialists to hold consultations aimed at developing cost-effective mechanisms that support sustainable production and efficient use of local resources.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser