Core industries grew 3.6% in March; cement, fertilisers, steel, electricity show positive growth

ANI April 21, 2025 205 views

India's eight core industries expanded by 3.6% in March 2025, led by strong performances in cement, steel, and electricity sectors. While cement production jumped 11.6%, steel output rose 7.1% indicating robust infrastructure activity. The cumulative growth for FY2024-25 stands at 4.4%, though crude oil and natural gas production continued to decline. These figures suggest mixed industrial recovery with construction and manufacturing sectors driving overall growth.

"Cement production surged 11.6% while steel grew 7.1%, signaling strong infrastructure demand" - Ministry of Commerce
New Delhi, April 21: The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 3.8 per cent (provisional) in March 2025 as compared to the Index in March 2024.

Key Points

1

Cement leads growth with 11.6% surge in March

2

Steel production rises 7.1% showing industrial demand

3

Electricity generation grows 6.2% amid rising consumption

4

Crude oil and natural gas continue negative trends

The production of cement, fertilisers, steel, electricity, coal, and refinery products recorded positive growth in March 2025, according to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of eight core industries, namely coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity.

The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

The cumulative growth rate of ICI from April to March, 2024-25 is 4.4 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

The summary of the Index of Eight Core Industries is given below:

Coal - Coal production (weight: 10.33 per cent) increased by 1.6 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 5.1 per cent during April to March 2024-25 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Crude Oil - Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98 per cent) declined by 1.9 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 2.2 per cent during April to March 2024-25 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Natural Gas - Natural Gas production (weight: 6.88 per cent) declined by 12.7 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 1.2 per cent during April to March 2024-25 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Petroleum Refinery Products - Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04 per cent) increased by 0.2 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 2.8 per cent during April to March 2024-25 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Fertilisers - Fertiliser production (weight: 2.63 per cent) increased by 8.8 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 2.9 per cent during April to March 2024-25 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Steel - Steel production (weight: 17.92 per cent) increased by 7.1 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 6.7 per cent during April to March 2024-25 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Cement - Cement production (weight: 5.37 per cent) increased by 11.6 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 6.3 per cent during April to March 2024-25 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Electricity - Electricity generation (weight: 19.85 per cent) increased by 6.2 per cent in March 2025 over March 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 5.1 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Great to see positive growth in key sectors! The cement and steel numbers are particularly impressive. Hope this translates to more infrastructure projects and job creation 💪
P
Priya M.
The fertilizer growth is excellent news for our farmers. But I'm concerned about the natural gas decline - we need to focus more on renewable energy alternatives.
A
Amit S.
While the overall growth is positive, the crude oil decline is worrying. We need to reduce our dependence on imports and boost domestic production.
S
Sunita R.
Electricity generation up by 6.2% is fantastic! Hope this means fewer power cuts this summer 🔥
V
Vikram P.
The article is informative but could benefit from more context about what these growth percentages mean in absolute terms. How does this compare to other developing economies?
N
Neha T.
Cement sector growth at 11.6% is amazing! Construction industry must be booming. Time to invest in related stocks maybe? 📈

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Tags:
core sector growth India industrial production cement industry steel demand electricity generation economic indicators