Core Sector Growth Slows to 3% in September, Led by Fuel Sector Contraction
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Economy (Economic Growth and Development, Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), GDP calculation, component weights).
Mains: General Studies Paper 3 (Economy) - "Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment"; "Industrial policy".
Key Highlights from the News
India's growth rate for the eight core sectors fell to 3% in September 2025. This is the lowest rate in the last three months.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released these figures.
The main reason for the decline in growth is the contraction in fuel-related sectors.
Four sectors recorded negative growth: Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Refinery Products.
The growth rate of sectors like Fertilizers, Cement, and Electricity slowed down.
Among the eight sectors, only the Steel sector registered strong growth (14.1%).
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