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.
Also Read: India’s manufacturing index hits all-time high in Q3 FY26: FICCI survey
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.
First Published: Jan 20, 2026 5:32 PM IST
