Eight core industries grow 3.0% in September 2025; steel up 14.1%
The Index of Eight Core Industries rose 3.0% (provisional) in September 2025 over September 2024, led by steel at 14.1%, the Commerce Ministry said on 21 October 2025.
Summary
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose 3.0% (provisional) in September 2025 over September 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on 21 October 2025. Steel (up 14.1%), cement (5.3%), electricity (2.1%) and fertilizers (1.6%) grew, while coal (−1.2%), crude oil (−1.3%), natural gas (−3.8%) and refinery products (−3.7%) fell. Growth for April–September 2025-26 was 2.9%, and the final August 2025 figure was 6.5%. The eight core industries make up 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP); refinery products carry the largest weight (28.04%). The base year is 2011-12.
Key facts
- Sept 2025 growth
- 3.0% (provisional)
- Top performer
- Steel +14.1%
- Declines
- Coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products
- Apr–Sep 2025-26
- 2.9%
- August 2025 (final)
- 6.5%
- Weight in IIP
- 40.27%; refinery products heaviest at 28.04%
Practice MCQs 3 questions
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in September 2025 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: B — 3.0%
PIB: the ICI increased by 3.0% (provisional) in September 2025; 2.9% is the April–September cumulative and 6.5% the final August figure.
Which core industry recorded the highest growth in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Steel
PIB: steel production increased by 14.1% in September 2025, ahead of cement (5.3%), electricity (2.1%) and fertilizers (1.6%).
Consider the following statements about the Index of Eight Core Industries: 1. The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production. 2. Among the eight, refinery products carry the smallest weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the eight core industries comprise 40.27% of IIP weight; petroleum refinery products carry the largest weight (28.04%), while fertilizers have the smallest (2.63%).