Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) – April 2026 Context: The combined Index of Eight Core Industries increased by 1.7% (provisional) in April 2026 compared to April 2025. Positive growth was recorded in the following sectors: Steel, Cement, and Electricity. About the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) The ICI measures the performance of eight core infrastructure industries: Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Petroleum Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity. Together, these eight sectors account for a weight of 40.27% in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a key statistical indicator that tracks short-term fluctuations in the volume of production across various industrial sectors in India. It reflects whether industrial activity is expanding or contracting during a specific period; thus, it serves as a significant measure of the country's economic performance. The IIP is released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which functions under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Currently, this index is calculated using the year 2011–12 as the base year. Cement Share in ICI: 5.37% Production recorded a growth of 9.4%. Cumulative Growth: 8.7%. Steel Share in ICI: 17.92% Production increased by 6.2%. Cumulative Growth (Year-to-Date): 9.5%. Electricity Share in ICI: 19.85% Electricity generation increased by 4.1%. Annual Gross Growth: 1.0%. Key Highlights The Cement sector recorded the highest growth in April 2026. The Steel and Electricity sectors also exhibited positive growth. The Coal and Fertilizer sectors witnessed a significant decline. Petroleum Refinery Products hold the highest share within the ICI basket. Care Economy Care Economy includes activities related to childcare, eldercare, disability support, health related home care and domestic services. It includes unpaid care work predominantly performed by women within households and paid care work delivered through formal and informal markets. Government support for the…
