Business · Economy · 2 hrs ago
India’s core sector output growth reaches 7.9% in September
India’s core sector output grew 7.9% in September, its fastest pace in the new data series.
The measure tracks major industries including coal, electricity, steel and refinery products, and now includes iron ore.
Iron ore, coal and refinery products led the growth, while electricity, cement and steel also expanded.
Fertiliser, natural gas and crude oil output fell.
The index rose compared with September last year, although it declined from August’s level.
The core industries account for about 40% of India’s industrial production index, so their performance is an important sign of activity in the wider economy.
Growth during April to September was 5.1%, compared with 2.5% in the same period a year earlier.
An economist cited in the coverage expects overall industrial production growth to ease in September, partly because of a higher comparison base.
India’s output across nine core industries grew 7.9% year on year in September, a 30-month high.
The growth rate rose from a revised 5.9% in August and 3.1% in September 2025.
Iron ore output grew 18.4%, the fastest rate among the sectors, while coal output rebounded to 10.7% growth.
Six sectors expanded, while fertilisers, natural gas and crude oil contracted.
The core industries account for about 40% of the weight of items in India’s Index of Industrial Production.
- Who
- India’s nine core industries.
- What
- Their output grew 7.9% year on year in September.
- When
- September 2026; the data was released on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Growth was lifted by strong output in iron ore, coal, refinery products, electricity, cement and steel.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Core sector output growth was revised up to 5.9%.
Output across the nine core industries grew 7.9% year on year.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the data.
- September growth
- 7.9% year on year
- August growth
- 5.9%, revised
- Fastest-growing sector
- Iron ore, up 18.4%
- Coal output
- Up 10.7%
- Sectors contracting
- Fertilisers, natural gas and crude oil
4 sources
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