Core industries' growth slips to 6.6% in July

The growth of eight core industries declined by one per cent to reach 6.6 per cent in July compared to 7.6 per cent in June, 2018.

According to the data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the combined Index of eight core Industries - coal, crude oil, cement, natural gas, fertilisers, steel, electricity and refinery products -- stood at 128.4 in July, 2018.

Coal production increased by 9.7 per cent in July this year over the same period last year, with an increase in its cumulative index increased by 12.3 per cent during April to July, 2018-19.

Crude Oil production declined by 5.4 per cent on a year-on-year basis, with a decline in its cumulative index by 3.2 per cent. Natural Gas production, too, declined by 5.2 per cent in July this year.

Petroleum Refinery production increased by 12.3 per cent in July this year over the same month last year, while its cumulative index increased by 8 per cent. Fertilizer production increased by 1.3 per cent in July this year over the same period last year, the data revealed.

A significant rise was noted in the production of steel and cement, with the former rising by 6 per cent and the latter by 10.8 per cent in July this year over the same period last year.

Furthermore, electricity generation increased by 4.8 per cent in July this year over last year, while its cumulative index increased by 4.8 per cent during April to July, 2018-19, over the corresponding period of the previous year.