Key Points

India's core infrastructure sectors showed robust growth this past August. The Index of Eight Core Industries climbed 6.3 percent compared to the same month last year. This performance was primarily driven by impressive gains in steel, coal, and cement production. However, the overall cumulative growth for the first five months of the fiscal year remains more modest.

Key Points: India's Eight Core Industries Grow 6.3 Percent in August 2025

  • Steel production leads growth with a significant 14.2 percent increase in August 2025
  • Coal output also shows strong expansion, rising by 11.4 percent year-on-year
  • Crude oil and natural gas production continue to decline, falling by 1.2 and 2.2 percent
  • The cumulative growth for the April-August period of 2025-26 stands at a provisional 2.8 percent
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Index of 8 core industries post 6.3% growth for August 2025

India's core sector growth hits 6.3% in August 2025, led by strong steel and coal production, while crude oil and natural gas output decline.

"The final growth rate of the Index of Eight Core Industries for July 2025 was observed at 3.7 per cent. - Ministry of Commerce & Industry"

New Delhi, September 22

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 6.3 per cent (provisional) in August 2025 as compared to the Index in August 2024.

As per a press release by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the production of Steel, Coal, Cement, Fertilizer, Electricity and Petroleum Refinery products recorded positive growth in August 2025.

The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries, viz. coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, 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 final growth rate of the Index of Eight Core Industries for July 2025 was observed at 3.7 per cent. The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to August, 2025-26 is 2.8 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year," the release said.

For the coal industry, coal production (weight: 10.33 per cent) increased by 11.4 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 0.7 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Crude oil production (weight: 8.98 per cent) declined by 1.2 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 1.7 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

The natural gas production (weight: 6.88 per cent) declined by 2.2 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 2.5 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

For petroleum refineries, production (weight: 28.04 per cent) increased by 3.0 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 0.4 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Fertilizer production (weight: 2.63 per cent) increased by 4.6 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 0.8 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

The steel production (weight: 17.92 per cent) increased by 14.2 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 10.4 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Cement production (weight: 5.37 per cent) increased by 6.1 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 8.4 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Electricity generation (weight: 19.85 per cent) increased by 3.1 per cent in August 2025 over August 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 0.5 per cent during April to August, 2025-26, over the corresponding period of the previous year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the overall growth looks good, I'm concerned about the decline in crude oil and natural gas production. With our energy needs growing, we need to focus more on domestic production rather than relying on imports. The cumulative figures for these sectors are worrying.
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Arjun K
Cement and steel growth indicates strong infrastructure development across the country. As someone in construction industry, I can see the positive momentum on ground. Hope this continues through the fiscal year! 🏗️
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Sarah B
The cumulative growth of 2.8% for April-August seems modest compared to the 6.3% August figure. Would be interesting to see if this is sustainable growth or just a seasonal spike. Need consistent performance across quarters for real economic strength.
K
Kavya N
Good to see fertilizer production up by 4.6% - this is crucial for our agricultural sector. With monsoon patterns changing, ensuring adequate fertilizer supply is essential for food security. Hope the cumulative figures improve in coming months.
M
Michael C
The electricity generation growth of 3.1% is positive but we need much higher growth to support industrial expansion and urban development. With summer peaks ahead, power infrastructure needs more investment. Still, moving in right direction! âš¡
A
Ananya R

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