India’s eight core industries growth accelerated to 3.7% in December 2025, up from 2.1% in November, according to the latest data announced on Tuesday,
January 20. The rebound was driven largely by strong performance in cement and steel, which expanded 13.5% and 6.9% respectively, compared with the same month a year ago.
Electricity generation also strengthened, rising 5.3%, reversing the contraction seen in November. Coal production grew 3.6%, while fertiliser output increased 4.1%.
However, not all sectors were upbeat. Crude oil production fell 5.6% and natural gas output declined 4.4%, continuing a trend of weakness in energy supplies. Petroleum refinery production also slipped 1% in December.
On a cumulative basis for April–December 2025-26, steel production remained strong, up 9.5%, while cement output rose 8.8%. Electricity generation saw a marginal rise of 0.3% over the same period.
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The data for December is provisional and subject to revision, while November figures have been finalised. Index numbers are revised as per updated data from source agencies.
