Cement Consumption Plummets in La Rioja Due to Public Works Halt and Private Sector Slowdown
In La Rioja, the construction sector faces a severe downturn, with cement sales dropping in January 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, amid public works cessation and a decline in private sector activity.
The construction industry in La Rioja is experiencing a significant crisis, with a dramatic 400% drop in cement sales in January 2024 compared to January 2023. This unprecedented decline is attributed to the halt in public works and a substantial reduction in private sector construction activities. The impact of these factors has led to a challenging situation for local hardware stores, with no similar precedents in recent decades.
The price of a bag of Portland cement has surged by 173.3% over the past 12 months, from an average of $2,890 in January 2023 to $7,900 in January 2024. This sharp increase in costs, combined with the stagnation of public infrastructure projects and the recession affecting private purchases, has severely impacted the construction sector. Industry representatives express concern over the situation, noting that such a significant downturn has not been observed for many years.
Source: La 4x4 Radio
