Core sector picks up sequentially; registers double digit growth in March

Growth in eight infrastructure sectors saw robust recovery in March, expanding in double-digits sequentially at 14.4 percent despite geopolitical tensions. However, annual core sector growth compared to the same month a year ago eased to 4.3 percent in March due to an unfavourable base effect.

Data released by the industry department showed that except coal (-0.1 per cent) and crude oil (-3.4 percent), other six infra sectors registered robust annual growth in March with fertiliser production (15.3 percent) growing in double digits.

However, a coal shortage could aggravate power cuts in many states, putting upward pressure on electricity costs and diverting supplies away from industrial activities, thus hampering growth momentum.