Fuel costs rise for cement maker Lafarge

摘要

International cement manufacturer Lafarge expects a 7pc increase in energy costs this year because of coal and natural gas purchases and the expiration of a successful solid-fuels hedging program. Company executives said Lafarge spends about $2bn/yr on its energy costs, including fuel and electricity. Manufacturing costs will increase $1.32/t this year, with most of that allocated to coal, petroleum coke and fuel oil purchases. Coal prices in particular are rising. The main increases are from local purchases, not from the interna- tional markets, Lafarge chief financial officer Jean-Jacques Gauthier said.