The eight core industries include sectors such as coal, cement, steel, and electricity posted a four per cent growth in June this year compared to the same month of the previous year, according to data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry today. The Ministry, in its official release, elaborated that the production of coal, electricity, natural gas, steel, fertiliser, and cement recorded positive growth in June 2024.

The Ministry further highlighted that the final growth rate of the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) for March 2024 has been revised to 6.3 per cent. The cumulative growth rate of ICI from April to June 2024–25 now works out to 5.7 per cent as compared to the corresponding period last year.

Coal production posted a robust double-digit growth of 14.8 per cent in June, compared to the same month last year, as the output from the country’s mines was stepped up to meet the increasing demand for power plants amid the scorching heat wave. Electricity generation also increased by 7.7 per cent, and natural gas production increased by 3.3 per cent in June, helping the country to use more green fuel in the transport sector and household kitchens. 

Fertiliser output during the month increased by 2.4 per cent, while steel production also went up by 2.7 per cent. However, crude oil production declined by 2.6 per cent in June.