Pakistan/India: The price of gypsum has increased by about US$1.50/t for local consumers after the opening of Wagha border, because mine contactors are exporting gypsum to neighbouring India in massive quantities. Industry sources said that if exports of gypsum continued unchecked the local cement manufacturers, who are the major users of this commodity, will suffer the most due to its constant hike in rates, which may impact the price of cement.
In India the price change has been in the opposite direction and more pronounced, with prices falling from US$35/t to US$24/t on a glut in supply.
An official of the Pakistani Punjab Mines & Minerals Department, on the condition that his name not to be mentioned, questioned the prudence of allowing raw gypsum exports. "We are monitoring export of gypsum and trying to approach the cement industry, which is the biggest user of this mine. In several meetings with the representatives of the cement industry we have raised the issue of unregulated gypsum exports to India through the Wahga border route," the official said.
In the 2010-2011 financial year, which ended on 30 June 2012, Pakistan produced around 0.68Mt of gypsum, with its part of Punjab producing 0.49Mt of the total.
