Mumbai, Dec. 9 -- Cement manufacturers are expected to see a significant improvement in profitability this fiscal, with operating margins set to rise by 250-300 basis points (bps) owing to better realisations supported by premiumisation and stable input costs, according to Crisil Intelligence.

The rating agency noted that cement demand is strengthening, with volume growth projected at 6.5-7.5 per cent on-year this fiscal from 5 per cent last fiscal. It added that while the first half saw a modest 5 per cent on-year rise in demand, the second half is expected to witness an accelerated 8-9 per cent on-year growth due to pent-up demand and improved liquidity.

Average pan-India cement prices will largely remain stable at Rs 354-359 (+/- 1 p...