India’s Core Sector Growth Quickens to 1.7% in April on Cement, Steel Boost
The rise in core sector output was led by stronger production in cement, electricity and steel, while sectors such as coal, crude oil, natural gas and fertilisers remained weak.
New Delhi: With stronger production in cement, electricity and steel, India’s combined index eight core grew 1.7 per cent year-on-year in April 2026, from the revised 1.2 per cent expansion seen in March. However, the index saw growth for the sixth consecutive month, with three of eight core sectors witnessing expansions in April, according to data released by the ministry of commerce & industry on Wednesday.
The rise in core sector output was led by stronger production in cement, electricity and steel, while sectors such as coal, crude oil, natural gas and fertilisers remained weak. “Cement production grew 9.4 per cent in April compared with 4.7 per cent in March, while electricity generation rose 4.1 per cent against 0.8 per cent in the previous month. Similarly steel output expanded 6.2 per cent, though lower than March’s 7.7 per cent growth,” the data showed.
On the other hand, the data showed that coal production contracted 8.7 per cent year-on-year in April, worsening from a 4 per cent decline in March. “Similarly, fertiliser output fell 8.6 per cent, although the pace of decline moderated sharply from March’s 24.6 percent contraction. Crude oil production also declined 3.9 per cent, while natural gas output slipped 4.3 per cent. Petroleum refinery products also remained in negative territory with a 0.5 per cent decline during the month,” it showed.