Road-based logistics sector may see 7-9% revenue rise this fiscal: Report

The road-based logistics sector is expected to grow 7-9 per cent this fiscal on favourable demand but margins may be under pressure due to higher fuel cost, says a report.

However, operators' debt coverage metrics are expected to marginally weaken in FY23 from FY22 levels. This will be largely due to the debt-funded vehicle replacement capex induced by the upcoming scrappage policy, along with the rising interest rate regime, rating agency Icra said in the report on Thursday.

It has a stable outlook for the sector.

The agency expects the aggregate operating profit margin to remain in the range of 12-14 per cent in FY23 compared to 14.2 per cent in FY22.

Accelerated pace of business activities and lower lockdown-linked restrictions from H2 of FY22 have aided faster revenue recovery in FY22 and the growth momentum is likely to continue with an estimated 7-9 percent uptick in top line in FY23 year-on-year, the report said.

The ability of the organised players to command pricing premi