(a) whether according to projections made by International Iron & Steel Institute, Brussels, the global steel consumption was expected to rise by about 5.8% in 2000 in comparison to previous year;
(b) if so, the percentage of actual rise recorded in the year of 2000; and
(c) the benefit actually occurred to Indian Steel industries in term of greater demand for steel during the year 2000-01?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL (SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b)&(c): The data on actual global steel consumption has not yet been released by the Institute. However, the anticipated greater demand for steel in 2000-01 is likely to benefit the Indian Steel Industry in terms of greater consumption for steel, firming of national and international price of steel, increased export, better sales realization and better capacity utilization.