Eight core industries grow 3.7% in December 2025
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries rose 3.7% (provisional) in December 2025 over December 2024, data released on 20 January 2026 show.
Summary
The Commerce Ministry's Index of Eight Core Industries (base 2011-12=100) grew 3.7% in December 2025. Cement, steel, electricity, fertilizers and coal recorded positive growth; coal rose 3.6%, while crude oil fell 5.6% and natural gas 4.4%. November 2025 growth was finalised at 2.1%, and cumulative growth for April–December 2025-26 was 2.6%. The eight industries — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement and electricity — make up 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
Key facts
- December 2025 growth
- 3.7% (provisional)
- November 2025 (final)
- 2.1%
- April–December 2025-26
- 2.6%
- Positive growth
- Cement, steel, electricity, fertilizers, coal
- Declines
- Crude oil −5.6%, natural gas −4.4%
- Weight in IIP
- 40.27%; base year 2011-12
Practice MCQs 3 questions
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in December 2025 (provisional)?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 3.7%
PIB (Commerce): the ICI increased by 3.7% (provisional) in December 2025 over December 2024.
The eight core industries together account for what share of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production?
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Correct answer: C — 40.27%
PIB (Commerce): the Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the IIP.
Which of the following core industries recorded a decline in production in December 2025 compared with December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Crude oil
PIB (Commerce): crude oil fell 5.6% (and natural gas 4.4%), while cement, steel, electricity, fertilizers and coal grew.