The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose by 0.7 per cent in May compared to the same month last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The ministry released the data on Friday.
Cement, steel, coal, and refinery products recorded positive growth during the month. Meanwhile, electricity production saw a decline.
The ministry also revised the final growth rates for the previous three months. February saw a 3.4 per cent rise, March 4.5 per cent, and April 1.0 per cent.
Cement and steel drive growth
Cement production grew by 9.2 per cent in May. Its cumulative index rose by 7.8 per cent during April to May 2025-26 compared to the same period last year.
Steel production increased by 6.7 per cent in May. Its cumulative index rose by 5.5 per cent over the same two-month period.
Coal production went up by 2.8 per cent in May. Its cumulative index showed a 3.1 per cent rise from April to May.
Petroleum refinery output rose by 1.1 per cent last month. However, its cumulative index declined by 1.7 per cent during April to May compared to the previous year.
Electricity falls, cumulative growth modest
Electricity generation dropped by 5.8 per cent in May. The sector’s cumulative index also fell by 2.2 per cent during April to May 2025-26 over the same period last year.
The cumulative growth rate of the Eight Core Industries during April to May 2025-26 stood at 0.8 per cent (provisional).
The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity. These eight industries make up 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), the ministry said.
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