Overall Core Sector Growth
- Context: The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) declined by 0.4 per cent (provisional) in March, 2026 as compared to the Index in March, 2025.
- The production of Fertilizers, Crude Oil, Coal and Electricity recorded negative growth in March, 2026.March 2026 Performance
- 4 out of 8 sectors contracted compared to March 2025.
- Weak performance driven by high base effect and external disruptions (e.g., West Asia crisis).
Fertiliser Sector Decline
- Output plunged 24.6% YoY in March 2026.
- Caused by input shortages due to geopolitical tensions.
- Annual growth: –0.1% in 2025–26, down from 2.9% in 2024–25.
Electricity Sector Weakness
- Contracted 0.5% in March 2026 (high base effect from 7.5% growth last year).
- Annual growth slowed to 0.9% (from 5.2%).
Construction-Linked Sectors Slow
- Steel growth fell to 2.2% (18-month low).
- Cement growth dropped to 4% (17-month low).
- Suggests slowdown in construction activity.
Natural Gas Shows Strength
- Grew 6.4% in March 2026.
- Boosted by government push to increase output amid supply constraints.
Crude Oil Continues Decline
- Contracted 5.7% in March 2026.
- Marks the 7th consecutive month of contraction.
Coal and Refinery Products
- Coal sector: Declined 4% in March 2026.
- Refinery products: Marginal growth of 0.1%.
Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
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- The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a key economic measure that tracks short-term fluctuations in the output of industrial goods in India. It provides an overview of how the industrial sector is performing, covering areas such as manufacturing, mining, and electricity generation.
- Published by: National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India
- Base Year: 2011–12
- Coverage: Includes three main sectors—Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity
- Objective: Used to assess industrial performance, support policy formulation, and serve as an early signal of economic trends
- Frequency: Released every month
- Assists in evaluating sector-wise growth, understanding inflation patterns, and tracking the overall progress of industrial development
Current Facts
- Nammalu, a short story by Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer Imayam.
