Eight core industries grow 1.7% in April 2026; steel, cement and electricity in positive territory
The Index of Eight Core Industries rose 1.7% (provisional) in April 2026 over April 2025, with only cement, steel and electricity recording positive growth.
Summary
The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose 1.7% (provisional) in April 2026 over April 2025, the Commerce and Industry Ministry reported on 20 May 2026. Only cement, steel and electricity recorded positive growth; steel production rose 6.2%, while coal fell 8.7%, fertilizers 8.6%, natural gas 4.3%, crude oil 3.9% and refinery products 0.5%. The final growth rate for March 2026 was 1.2%, and cumulative growth for 2025-26 was 2.7%. The eight core industries make up 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), and refinery products carry the largest weight (28.04%).
Key facts
- April 2026 growth
- 1.7% (provisional)
- Positive
- Cement, Steel, Electricity
- Steel
- +6.2% (weight 17.92%)
- Coal
- -8.7% (weight 10.33%)
- Largest weight
- Refinery products, 28.04%
- March 2026 (final)
- 1.2%
- FY 2025-26 cumulative
- 2.7%
- Share in IIP
- 40.27%
- Base year
- 2011-12
Practice MCQs 2 questions
By how much did the Index of Eight Core Industries grow (provisional) in April 2026 over April 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1.7%
The ICI rose 1.7% (provisional) in April 2026. 2.7% is the cumulative growth for 2025-26.
Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Petroleum refinery products
Refinery products have the largest weight at 28.04%, followed by electricity, steel (17.92%) and coal (10.33%).