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According to data released by the Commerce Ministry, the combined Index of Eight Core Sector Industries tracks the performance of key sectors including cement, coal, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products and steel. These industries collectively account for nearly 40 per cent of the weight in the Index of Industrial Production, making them a crucial indicator of the country’s industrial momentum.

Steel production recorded a three-month high growth of 7.2 per cent during July, signalling strong demand from infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Cement output also rose sharply to a four-month high of 5.5 per cent, indicating a significant increase in construction activity across the country.

Petroleum production witnessed an eight-month high growth of 6.6 per cent, while fertilizer output climbed to a seven-month high of 5.3 per cent. The increase in fertilizer production was supported by the acceleration in agricultural activity as sowing operations gained pace following improved monsoon conditions this year.

The coal sector also maintained steady expansion with output rising by 6.8 per cent in July 2024. Electricity generation increased by 7.0 per cent during the same period, highlighting growing industrial consumption and higher energy demand across sectors.

The latest core sector data points to sustained economic activity in critical industries and underscores strengthening demand in infrastructure, construction, agriculture and energy, reinforcing expectations of continued industrial growth in the coming months.