India’s Eight Core Sectors Output Grows by 1.8% in November 2025

India’s infrastructure linked industries showed modest but steady expansion in November 2025. Official data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry indicates that the combined output of the eight core sectors rose by 1.8 per cent compared to the same month last year, reflecting mixed trends across energy, construction and manufacturing segments.

Sector-Wise Performance in November 2025

Growth during November was uneven across sectors, with construction-related industries leading the expansion.

• Cement: Output surged by 14.5%, reflecting continued infrastructure and construction activity.
• Steel: Production increased by 6.1%, supported by demand from construction and manufacturing.
• Fertilizer: Recorded a 5.6% rise, indicating stable agricultural input demand.
• Coal: Grew by 2.1%, helping support power and industrial fuel requirements.

However, some energy segments remained under pressure,

• Crude Oil: Production declined by 3.2%.
• Natural Gas: Output fell by 2.5% during the month.

Significance of the Data

The 1.8% growth reflects,

• Continued resilience in infrastructure linked sectors like cement and steel
• Moderate industrial recovery, despite weakness in oil and gas output
• Support to overall industrial activity, as core industries heavily influence IIP trends

Strong performance in cement and steel suggests sustained public and private investment in infrastructure projects.

What Are the Eight Core Industries?

The Index of Eight Core Industries tracks production trends in sectors that form the backbone of industrial activity in India. These industries together account for over 40 per cent of the weight of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

The eight sectors covered are,

1. Coal
2. Crude Oil
3. Natural Gas
4. Refinery Products
5. Fertilisers
6. Steel
7. Cement
8. Electricity

Key Takeaways

• Eight core industries grew by 1.8% in November 2025.
• Cement (14.5%) and Steel (6.1%) led growth.
• Fertiliser and coal recorded moderate expansion.
• Crude oil and natural gas output declined.
• Core industries account for over 40% of the IIP weight.