September production index of 8 core industries up 5%

The Index of Eight Core Industries was up 5% in September this year, compared to the same month last year, a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Sunday. 

The combined index of the output of the eight core industries stood at 176.1 in September. The output index of the eight core industries was the highest in three months. 

The rise was led by an increase in output of petroleum products and steel, ministry data showed. 

The output of the eight core industries -- crude oil, coal, natural gas, refinery products, cement, electricity, steel, and fertilisers -- contributes 38% weightage to the Index of Industrial Production. 

Petroleum refinery output increased by 9.3% in September, while steel production grew 16.3% in the month. 

Cement and electricity generation grew by 5.5% and 2.2%, respectively, while fertilizer production grew 2%. 

The production of natural gas, crude oil extraction and coal production declined in the month under consideration, by 5.5%, 4.1%, and 5.8%, respectively.