July core sector output growth bounces back to 2.4% from 0.8% in June

Acceleration driven by steel production, electricity generation

Core sector output growth rose to 2.4 per cent in July, as compared to the paltry 0.8 per cent rise seen in June.

Growth was primarily pushed by a jump in steel and electricity generation, apart from a sustained rise in natural gas output.

Data issued by the commerce and industry ministry on Thursday showed the eight core segments - coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity - cumulatively grew 2.5 per cent in the first four months (April-July) of this financial year. This was less than half the 6 per cent growth in the corresponding period