Eight Core Industries Record 0.5 Per Cent Growth In April

The combined index of eight core industries rose by 0.5 per cent in April 2025 compared to the same month last year, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said on Tuesday.

Steel, cement, coal, electricity, and natural gas sectors showed positive growth during the month, according to the official data.

The eight core industries form 40.27 per cent of the weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and reflect the broader trend of industrial activity.

Steel & Cement Surge On Infrastructure Push

Steel production, which holds nearly 18 per cent weight in the index, increased by 3.0 per cent in April 2025 over the same month last year.

The sector’s cumulative index rose by 6.9 per cent from April 2024 to March 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.

Cement production grew by 6.7 per cent in April 2025, while its cumulative index increased by 6.3 per cent over the same financial year period.

Both sectors have benefited from large-scale government spending on highways, railways, ports, and airports, which has pushed up demand. The construction sector also showed signs of recovery.

Electricity generation, with nearly 20 per cent weight, rose by 1 per cent in April 2025 from a year ago. Its cumulative growth stood at 5.2 per cent during April 2024 to March 2025.

Coal output increased by 3.5 per cent in April 2025. Its cumulative growth came in at 5.1 per cent during the financial year.

Natural gas production recorded a marginal rise of 0.4 per cent in April.

Decline In Crude Oil, Refinery, & Fertiliser Production

Crude oil production, however, dropped by 2.8 per cent due to the ageing oilfields of ONGC. Petroleum refinery output fell by 4.5 per cent during April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024.

Still, the sector’s cumulative index grew by 2.8 per cent during April 2024 to March 2025.

Fertiliser output also declined by 4.2 per cent in April 2025, although its cumulative index posted a 2.9 per cent increase over the financial year.

The final growth rate for January 2025 was revised to 5.1 per cent. The cumulative growth of the core industries from April 2024 to March 2025 now stands at 4.5 per cent.

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