Nepal: Data from the Nepal Rastra Brank shows that the value of cement imports have doubled year-on-year to US$155m in the first 10 months of the current financial year from US$77m in the same period in 2015 – 2016. The surge in imports has coincided with a fall in the capacity utilisation rate of most cement plants to 60%, according to the Himalayan Times newspaper. The fall in local production has been blamed on difficulties importing clinker, coal and other raw materials. Reduced electricity supplies have also affected production. The Cement Manufacturers Association of Nepal hopes that, if these impediments are reduced, the country could become self reliant in clinker within two years. /Global Cement