Eight core industries grow 3.8% in March 2025; FY 2024-25 growth 4.4%
The Index of Eight Core Industries grew 3.8% (provisional) in March 2025 over March 2024, the Commerce Ministry said on 21 April 2025; cumulative growth for 2024-25 was 4.4%.
Summary
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose 3.8% (provisional) in March 2025 compared with March 2024, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 21 April 2025. Cement (11.6%), fertilizers (8.8%), electricity (6.2%), steel (7.1%), coal (1.6%) and refinery products (0.2%) grew, while crude oil (-1.9%) and natural gas (-12.7%) declined. Cumulative growth for April–March 2024-25 was 4.4% (provisional). The eight core industries make up 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production; refinery products carry the highest weight (28.04%).
Key facts
- March 2025 growth
- 3.8% (provisional)
- FY 2024-25
- 4.4% (provisional)
- Highest growth
- Cement 11.6%
- Declines
- Natural gas -12.7%, crude oil -1.9%
- Weight in IIP
- 40.27%
- Highest weight
- Refinery products 28.04%
Practice MCQs 3 questions
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow (provisional) in March 2025 over March 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 3.8%
3.8%: the ICI grew 3.8% in March 2025; 4.4% was the cumulative growth for 2024-25.
Consider the following about the Index of Eight Core Industries for March 2025: 1. The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production. 2. Natural gas recorded the highest growth among the eight industries in March 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Cement recorded the highest growth (11.6%); natural gas declined by 12.7%.
Which of the following carries the highest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: C — Petroleum refinery products
Petroleum refinery products carry a weight of 28.04%, ahead of electricity (19.85%), steel (17.92%) and coal (10.33%).