November core sector output growth slows to 4.9%

Crude oil and natural gas production declined during the month when demonetisation was introduced

A healthy performance by sectors, including coal, steel and electricity, helped eight core industries register a growth of 4.9% in November 2016.

The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors -- coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity -- was 0.6% in November 2015. It stood at 6.6% in October 2016.

The core sectors, which contribute 38% to the total industrial production, expanded 4.9% in April-November 2016 compared to 2.5% growth in the same period last financial year, according to data released by the commerce and industry ministry today.

Coal, steel, electricity production jumped 6.4%, 5.6% and 10.2%, respectively.

Refinery and cement output growth sat at 2% and 0.5%, respectively, in November 2016, against 1.7% and (-)1.7% in November 2015.

However, crude oil and natural gas production contracted by 5.4% and 1.7%, respectively.