Core Sector Growth Highlights

The core sector experienced a 3.8% growth in March, fueled by expansions in electricity, steel, and cement production. However, this growth was slightly overshadowed by contractions in crude oil and natural gas sectors.

Yearly Performance Overview

For the entire fiscal year, the core sector's growth was recorded at 4.4%, a decrease from the previous year's 7.6%. This sector plays a crucial role, accounting for nearly 41% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), influencing upcoming IIP figures.

Expert Insights

Aditi Nayar, chief economist at Icra, noted, "The sequential trend was mixed, with some sectors like fertilisers and coal showing moderated growth." Meanwhile, the electricity sector saw a 6.2% increase, attributed to heightened demand during heatwave conditions.