India’s Core Infrastructure Industries Grow 3.7% in December 2025

India’s eight core infrastructure industries recorded a 3.7% year-on-year growth in December 2025, supported by higher production of cement, steel, coal, electricity, and fertilisers, the Commerce & Industry Ministry said on Tuesday.

The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), which tracks coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity, rose to 175.7 points in December 2025, up from 169.4 points in the same month last year. The core sector contributes 40.27% to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), highlighting its significant impact on overall industrial output.

Sector-wise Performance

Among individual sectors, cement production surged 13.5%, the highest growth among core industries, reflecting strong momentum in construction and infrastructure activity. Steel output increased by 6.9%, while electricity generation rose 5.3% during the month. Coal production grew 3.6%, and fertiliser output expanded 4.1%, further supporting overall growth.

Energy-related sectors showed a mixed performance. Crude oil production declined 5.6%, natural gas output fell 4.4%, and refinery products registered a marginal contraction of 1% in December 2025.

Cumulative Growth & Revisions

The final growth rate for November 2025 was revised to 2.1%, while the cumulative growth of the core sector from April–December 2025-26 stood at 2.6% on a provisional basis, compared with the same period last year.

On a cumulative basis during the current financial year so far, steel production led with 9.5% growth, followed by cement at 8.8% and fertilisers at 1.7%. Electricity generation posted a modest rise of 0.3%, while coal output declined 0.7%. Crude oil and natural gas continued to contract, falling 1.9% and 3.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Ministry noted that December 2025 data is provisional and subject to revision based on updated figures from source agencies. Electricity generation numbers include renewable energy output, in line with the revised methodology adopted since April 2014. The Index of Eight Core Industries for January 2026 is scheduled for release on February 20, 2026.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.