Core sector output grows 3.8% in March

Sequential trend shows mixed picture

- FE BUREAU

GROWTH IN THE output of eight key infrastructure industries — commonly known as the core sector — expanded 3.8% in March on the back of improved performance by electricity, steel and cement sectors which neutralised the impact of a contraction in the petroleum sector.

A year ago, in March 2024, core sector output expanded by 6.3%.

With summer setting in, the electricity output increased 6.2% on year in March, up from 3.6% in February. The cement sector that has been the direct beneficiary of pick up in government spending on infrastructure saw its output go up by 11.6% in March from 10.8% in February.

The cement sector growth has been in double digits since November last year.