CUTS raises competition concerns over cement manufacturers association uniform GH¢12 surcharge

The decision by the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) to introduce a uniform GH¢12 per bag clinker demurrage surcharge has raised concerns.

According to the cement manufacturers, vessel waiting times have increased from an average of seven days in January 2026 to between 30 and over 40 days in August 2026, resulting in estimated industry-wide demurrage costs of US$45 million to US$50 million during the first eight months of the year.

It said different cement manufacturers have different shipping contracts, clinker volumes, vessel arrangements, inventory positions, operational efficiencies and exposure to demurrage and that their additional costs therefore need not be identical.