Production growth in eight core infrastructure sectors rose 1.7 per cent in April, driven by higher output of steel, cement and electricity, according to government data released on Wednesday. These eight sectors expanded by 1 per cent in the same month last year. The pace of expansion was 1.2 per cent in March. Coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, and fertiliser output recorded negative growth during the month under review.
April growth slowed due to contraction in refinery and fertiliser output, high base effect; only coal and natural gas posted gains among eight core industries
Infra segment hurt the most as cement and steel output tank by more than 80 per cent
Massive contraction recorded amid a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus
Contraction in coal, crude oil and cement output are reasons behind it