New Delhi, March 21: India’s eight major infrastructure sectors experienced a 2.3% growth in February compared to the previous year. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday, there was a significant increase in the production of cement, steel, fertilizers, coal, and electricity during this period.
Steel production rose by 7.2%, while the cement sector saw a robust growth of 9.3%. This surge is attributed to the government’s increased investment in large infrastructure projects, which has boosted demand for these materials.
Coal production also increased by 2.3%, and electricity generation saw a modest rise of 0.5%. Fertilizer production grew by 3.4%, driven by an uptick in sowing for Rabi crops and improved performance in the agricultural sector, enhancing farmers’ incomes.
However, there was a decline in the production of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum refining. The decrease in crude oil production is linked to the maturity of oil fields operated by ONGC and Oil India. Refinery production is influenced by market demand and available stock.
For January 2026, the final growth rate for the eight core industries was recorded at 4.7%. From April to February 2025-26, the overall growth rate stood at 2.9% compared to the same period last year.
The index of these eight core industries includes coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity. Together, they account for approximately 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and are considered vital indicators of overall industrial growth in the country.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment