India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 0.4% in October, easing sharply from 4% in September, with the government attributing the slowdown to fewer working days during a month packed with festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath.
Sectoral data showed a mixed picture. Mining output fell 1.8%, manufacturing grew 1.8%, while electricity generation dropped 6.9%, a decline linked to lower demand due to extended rainfall and cooler temperatures across several States and UTs.
Within manufacturing, 9 of 23 industry groups recorded growth. The strongest performers were:
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Basic metals (+6.6%), driven by higher output of HR coils, alloy steel flat products and MS slabs.
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Coke and refined petroleum products (+6.2%), supported by diesel, petrol and hard coke production.
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Motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers (+5.8%), helped by auto components, passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Based on use categories, growth was led by infrastructure/construction goods (+7.1%), followed by capital goods (+2.4%) and intermediate goods (+0.9%). Consumer demand remained soft, with durables down 0.5% and non-durables down 4.4%.
These are Quick Estimates and will be revised in subsequent releases as per the IIP revision policy, the ministry said.
