Sulja Bros. Building Supplies, Ltd (SLJB)

[ed53wa]

The Middle Eastern construction sector is suffering from a severe shortage of cement, it has emerged.


According to a report by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), the region is facing a deficit of around 6m tonnes; in 2005, cement production totalled 122m tonnes, reports Trade Arabia.


As a result of the shortage, cement prices have increased by an estimated 10%, while steel prices have increased by nearly 50% because of high demand, according to the DCCI.


'Steel production in the region increased by 12% in 2005, from 14.2m metric tonnes in 2004, while on the other hand consumption increased by 37% in 2005 from 25.3m tonnes in 2004,' said the report.


Established in 1965, the DCCI views itself as the 'backbone of commercial and economic activities' within the United Arab Emirates.


The DCCI is estimated to have around 79 000 members.

© 2006, Adfero Ltd