Eight Core Industries Index Up in February 2026

23 Mar 2026 CW Team

The index of eight core industries for February 2026 stood at 166.7 on the base year 2011-12=100, provisional.

The overall index rose by two point three per cent year on year in February and the month on month movement reflected mixed sectoral performance.

For the period April to February 2025-26 the overall index was 167.9 and recorded year on year growth of two point nine per cent, provisional. Steel, which carries a weight of 17.92, showed the strongest annual expansion at nine point seven per cent while cement rose by nine point two per cent. Fertilisers improved by two point zero per cent and electricity increased by zero point nine per cent, underpinning gains among heavy weighted sectors. Crude oil and natural gas contracted, by two point five per cent and three point five per cent respectively, while refinery products edged down by zero point one per cent and coal remained broadly unchanged.

On a monthly basis for February 2026 the index displayed modest growth and sectoral variations. Steel recorded growth of seven point two per cent and cement grew by nine point three per cent, contributing positively to the monthly outcome. Crude oil and natural gas fell by five point two per cent and five point zero per cent respectively, while refinery products declined by one point zero per cent. Coal and electricity rose by two point three per cent and zero point five per cent respectively.

The base year and sectoral weights continue to shape the overall trajectory as refinery products, electricity and steel together account for a substantial share of the index. The figures are provisional and year on year comparisons are calculated over the corresponding financial year of the previous year. Further revisions may follow when final data are released.

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