Core sector growth in Nov at four-month high of 4.3%

Economists expect overall industrial growth to be 5-7%

- PRIYANSH VERMA

THE OUTPUT OF eight core industries rose 4.3% year-on-year in November, the highest pace in four months, primarily due to an uptick in production of coal, cement and steel, according to official data released on Tuesday.

In November 2023, the core sector had grown by 7.9% year-on-year, and in October 2024 by 3.7%. In April-November, however, the core sector's growth averaged 4.2% as against 8.7% in the corresponding period of FY24. Growth in the core industries have been far lower this year, as the output growth of five sectors - crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, and cement - have been muted. These sectors collectively carry a weight of 52% in the core basket.