As we approach the close of the 2025-26 financial year, EPC procurement teams face a critical window. The transition into April historically brings two major supply chain disruptions: primary mill price revisions and scheduled Q1 maintenance shutdowns.
The April Supply Squeeze
Integrated mills typically clear their order books in March to meet fiscal year-end dispatch targets. Consequently, April begins with fresh rolling schedules. Coupled with the government's mandate to accelerate Q1 capital expenditure on highways and metro projects, the demand for heavy structurals (Universal Beams, heavy ISMC) and Fe 550D TMT bars is expected to vastly outpace immediate rolling capacity.
The Cost of "Wait and Watch"
Contractors opting for a "spot buy" approach in mid-April often face premium pricing and extended lead times (up to 4-6 weeks for specific sections). For mega-projects operating on tight Gantt charts, a delayed steel delivery does not just increase material costs—it incurs massive labor and crane idling penalties at the site.
We strongly advise our EPC partners to finalize their Q1 BOQs (Bill of Quantities) this week. By signing advance Rate Contracts and utilizing our MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with primary producers, we can lock in your April and May dispatches at current baseline prices, ensuring your site receives priority rolling allocation.