Core Sector Growth Eases to 5.4% in July 2026
Why in the news
Core sector expansion cooled in July 2026, dragged by fertilizers, iron ore and steel, even as coal output improved.
Key facts
- July 2026 growth: 5.4%; June 2026 had seen 6%.
- Reason for the slowdown: weaker fertilizers, iron ore and steel.
- Coal grew 7.6%, an 11-month high.
- Fertilizers contracted 8%; steel growth eased to 2.9%.
- Natural gas and crude oil continued to shrink.
| Indicator | July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Overall core growth | 5.4% (June: 6%) |
| Coal | +7.6%, 11-month high |
| Fertilizers | -8% |
| Steel | +2.9% |
| Natural gas and crude oil | Contraction |
About the Index of Core Industries
Eight sectors make up the index: electricity, cement, steel, fertilizers, refinery products, natural gas, crude oil and coal.
Exam angle
- Number of sectors in the core index: 8.
- Best performer in the data: coal at 7.6%.
- Weak areas: fertilizers, steel, natural gas, crude oil.