Core sector growth slowdown in July 2026

Notes

• Core sector growth in India slowed to 5.4% in July 2026 from 6% in June 2026.
• The Index of Core Industries (ICE) was released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with a new series, limiting historical comparisons to June 2025.
• Fertilizer sector contracted by 8% in July 2026, attributed to deficient monsoon and reduced sowing.
• Iron ore sector growth slowed to 29.5% in July 2026, influenced by a low base effect from the previous year.
• Steel sector growth reached a 14-month low of 2.9% in July 2026.
• Natural gas and crude oil sectors have experienced continuous contraction for 14 consecutive months.
• Refinery products sector grew by 2.7% in July 2026, ending a three-month contraction streak.
• Electricity and cement sectors showed positive performance, with 9% and 13.1% growth respectively in July 2026.

Part of a longer story

This is day 13 of 15 in Upgrades to India's statistical databases, which has been running since 21 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

• IRDAI Data Submission Requirements Before
• Core Industrial Sector Growth Slowdown After
• The whole story 15 entries