Eight core industries grow 2.3% in February 2026
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries rose 2.3% (provisional) in February 2026 over February 2025, with cement, steel, fertilisers, coal and electricity growing, data released on 20 March 2026 showed.
Summary
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), with base year 2011-12, increased by 2.3% (provisional) in February 2026 compared with February 2025. Cement, steel, fertilisers, coal and electricity recorded positive growth, while crude oil (down 5.2%), natural gas (down 5.0%) and refinery products (down 1.0%) declined. The final growth for January 2026 was 4.7%, and cumulative growth for April–February 2025-26 was 2.9%. The eight core industries make up 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production; refinery products carry the largest weight at 28.04%.
Key facts
- February 2026 growth
- 2.3% (provisional)
- Base year
- 2011-12
- Grew
- Cement, steel, fertilisers, coal, electricity
- Declined
- Crude oil −5.2%, natural gas −5.0%, refinery products −1.0%
- January 2026 (final)
- 4.7%
- April–February 2025-26
- 2.9%
- Weight in IIP
- 40.27%
Practice MCQs 3 questions
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in February 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: B — 2.3%
The ICI grew 2.3% in February 2026; 4.7% was the final January figure and 2.9% the April–February cumulative growth.
Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: D — Petroleum refinery products
Petroleum refinery products have the largest weight, 28.04%.
Consider the following about the core industries data for February 2026: 1. Crude oil and natural gas production declined compared with February 2025. 2. The eight core industries together account for about 40% of the weight of items in the IIP. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: crude oil fell 5.2% and natural gas 5.0%, and the core industries make up 40.27% of the IIP weight.