The combined Index of Eight Core Industries recorded a growth of 1.8% in November compared to the same month last year, supported by higher production in cement, steel, fertilizers and coal, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Among individual sectors, coal production increased by 2.1% in November 2025 on a year-on-year basis. However, its cumulative index declined by 1.4% during April–November 2025-26.
Crude oil production contracted by 3.2% in November, while its cumulative output declined by 1.3% during the current financial year so far. Natural gas production also declined by 2.5% in November, with cumulative production falling by 3% during the same period.
Petroleum refinery products, the largest component of the index, registered a decline of 0.9% in November. Despite the monthly contraction, refinery output recorded a marginal cumulative growth of 0.2% during April–November 2025-26.
On the positive side, fertilizer production rose by 5.6% in November, while its cumulative index increased by 1.3% during the period under review.
Steel production grew by 6.1% in November, with strong cumulative growth of 9.7% during April–November 2025-26.
Cement production emerged as the best-performing segment, rising sharply by 14.5% in November compared to the year-ago period. Its cumulative index increased by 8.2% during the current financial year so far.
In contrast, electricity generation declined by 2.2% in November, while its cumulative index fell by 0.3% during April–November 2025-26.