Consumption increased 24.47% for the period.

Government also denies shortage of the building material.

Growth to be slightly better than 2012 volume.

Firms reported demand remained tepid in the first three months of the year.

Builders, contractors lapped up more supplies for the period.

Industry says production fell by double digits in past weeks.

April dispatches increased year on year, but exports fell.

Consumption increased in April year on year even amid construction slump.

Bricks, ceramic tile output also declined for the period.

Higher input costs may lead to cement prices also increasing.