Weak price trends and rising cost pressures indicate that earnings of cement producers are unlikely to revive anytime soon. : Cement companies are battling cost increases on multiple fronts. Prices of petroleum coke—a key raw material—remain elevated. Since most of its requirement is met through imports, a weakening rupee is adding to the pain. Global oil prices are inching up, translating into increased diesel prices and elevated transportation costs for the industry. A spike in crude oil prices has also a bearing on the sector’s packaging cost.