India’s core sector output recorded a moderate expansion, reflecting mixed trends across key industrial segments. Official data showed that output across eight core industries grew by 1.8% on a year-on-year basis. The growth was driven mainly by higher production in cement, steel, fertiliser and coal sectors.
The performance was measured through the Index of Eight Core Industries, which tracks infrastructure-linked activity. These industries together play a crucial role in shaping India’s overall industrial momentum.
The growth was measured through the Index of Eight Core Industries. Higher production of cement, steel, fertiliser and coal supported the overall expansion. Coal production increased by 2.1% in November compared to the same month last year. However, the cumulative coal index declined by 1.4% during April to November 2025–26. Steel production recorded a 6.1% year-on-year increase during November. Its cumulative index showed strong growth of 9.7% during the April–November period. Cement output posted the sharpest rise among core industries.
Cement production surged by 14.5% in November on an annual basis. The cumulative cement index rose by 8.2% during the current financial year period. Fertiliser production also contributed positively to core sector growth. Fertiliser output increased by 5.6% in November compared to last year. Its cumulative index grew by 1.3% during April–November 2025–26.
The eight core industries include coal, crude oil, natural gas and refinery products.
They also include fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.
Together, these industries account for 40.27% of the weight in the Index of Industrial Production. In contrast, natural gas production declined by 2.5% in November. Its cumulative index fell by 3.0% during the April–November period. The data highlighted uneven performance across energy-related segments. Meanwhile, overall industrial production growth slowed in October. India’s IIP growth eased to 0.4% in October, according to the Ministry of Statistics.
The ministry attributed the slowdown to fewer working days during the festive season. estivals such as Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath reduced operational days in October. Industrial growth had shown stronger momentum in earlier months. IIP growth stood at 4% in September and August. It had risen from 3.5% in July and 1.5% in June.
The latest core sector data indicates resilience in construction-linked industries. Experts track these indicators closely to assess near-term industrial momentum.
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