Soda ash production is expected to grow by 5.6% during 2012-13 as demand from user industries is likely to remain healthy. "Glass manufacturers consume around half of India's soda ash production. Production of sheet glass and toughened glass is expected to grow by 8.4% and 6.1% respectively, during the year," the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) said in a recent report. After falling for three consecutive months, the chemical production index rose by 5.3% in July 2012 compared to the previous year. The index rose by 5.8% over the preceding month. Caustic soda production grew by 4.1% in July 2012 over the preceding month. However, it declined marginally compared to a year ago. "Cumulative production fell by 1.5% year-on-year during April-July 2012 due to lower off take from major user industries like aluminium and paper, "CMIE said. The growth output in soda ash for the fiscal is based on forecast on data compiled from the annual reports of individual companies.
