Core Industries Grow 3 per cent in September, Steel and Cement Lead

04 Nov 2025 CW Team

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose by 3.0 per cent in September 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The index tracks the production of coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity, which together account for 40.27 per cent of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Steel output recorded the highest growth at 14.1 per cent, followed by cement at 5.3 per cent, electricity at 2.1 per cent, and fertilizers at 1.6 per cent. In contrast, production of coal, crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum refinery products declined during the month.

Cumulatively, from April to September 2025-26, the ICI increased by 2.9 per cent. Steel and cement led cumulative gains with 11.0 per cent and 7.7 per cent growth respectively, while fossil fuel and refinery production remained under pressure.

The data reflects mixed performance across sectors, highlighting strong growth in core construction and power materials alongside slower output in energy-related industries.

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