India's core sector output increases by 3 per cent in September 2025; steel and cement lead
New Delhi, October 21
India's Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose by 3 per cent in September 2025 compared to the same month last year, driven by strong performances in steel, cement, electricity, and fertilisers, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
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 account for 40.27 per cent of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and serve as a key indicator of industrial activity.
The final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for August 2025 was observed at 6.5 per cent. The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to September, 2025-26 is 2.9 per cent (provisional) compared to the corresponding period last year.
While certain sectors showed resilience, the overall momentum was tempered by marginal decline in some areas.
Here is summary of the Index of Eight Core Industries.
Coal - Coal production (weight: 10.33 per cent) declined by 1.2 per cent in September, 2025 over September, 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 0.7 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Crude Oil - Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98 per cent) declined by 1.3 per cent in September, 2025 over September, 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 1.1 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Natural Gas - Natural Gas production (weight: 6.88 per cent) declined by 3.8 per cent in September, 2025 over September, 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 2.9 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Petroleum Refinery Products - Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04 per cent) declined by 3.7 per cent in September, 2025 over September, 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 0.3 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Fertilisers - Fertiliser production (weight: 2.63 per cent) increased by 1.6 per cent in September 2025 over September 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 0.4 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Steel - Steel production (weight: 17.92 per cent) increased by 14.1 per cent in September, 2025 over September, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 11.0 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Cement - Cement production (weight: 5.37 per cent) increased by 5.3 per cent in September, 2025 over September, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 7.7 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Electricity - Electricity generation (weight: 19.85 per cent) increased by 2.1 per cent in September, 2025 over September, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 0.9 per cent during April to September, 2025-26 over corresponding period of the previous year.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While 3% growth is positive, the decline in coal, crude oil, and natural gas is concerning. Energy security is crucial for sustained industrial growth. Hope the government addresses these sectors soon.
Impressive 14.1% growth in steel production! This indicates strong demand from automotive and construction industries. The cumulative 11% growth over 6 months is quite remarkable.
Cement growth at 5.3% is good news for real estate sector. With festival season approaching, this should boost housing demand. But I wonder if common people are actually benefiting from this growth or just corporates? 🤔
The electricity generation increase is modest but important. With summer approaching, stable power supply will be crucial. Hope the growth continues to meet rising demand from both industries and households.
Good to see positive numbers overall, but the petroleum refinery decline of 3.7% is worrying. With fuel prices already high, this might affect transportation costs and inflation. Government should focus on this sector.
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