Core Sector Growth at Its Slowest in 9 Months

Output expands 0.7% in May; only refinery products, steel & cement grow

- Rhik Kundu

The output of eight core infrastructure sectors, which account for two-fifths of India's industrial output, expanded by 0.7% annually in May, its slowest in nine months, showed provisional data released on Friday by the commerce ministry.

This growth stood at 6.9% in May 2024, while April 2025 growth was revised upward from 0.5% to 1%.

The index of eight core industries measures the combined and individual output of key industries, which include coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement and electricity.

Only three of the eight core industries, refinery products, steel and cement, reported a sequential rise in production during May.