India’s infrastructure output surged by 6.2% year-on-year in April, marking a modest increase from the revised 6% growth recorded in March, according to government data released on Friday. This growth was primarily driven by robust performances in the electricity and steel sectors, underscoring the resilience and dynamism of the country’s industrial base.
Infrastructure output, which is a critical indicator comprising 40% of the nation’s industrial production, encapsulates activity across eight key sectors, including refinery products and electricity. In April, coal production witnessed a growth of 7.5%, slightly down from the 8.7% increase in March. Meanwhile, electricity generation rose significantly by 9.4%, up from an 8.6% rise in the previous month. Steel production also exhibited impressive growth, expanding by 7.1% year-on-year in April, compared to a 6.4% increase in March. Natural gas output experienced an 8.6% rise, up from the 6.3% growth noted in the previous month.
Conversely, cement production saw a sharp deceleration, registering a modest 0.6% increase in April, a stark contrast to the substantial 10.6% growth achieved in March. Crude oil production recorded a 1.6% rise, marginally down from the 2% growth observed a month earlier.
Refinery products continued their upward trajectory, with output increasing by 3.9% in April, compared to a 1.5% rise in March. Fertiliser production was the only sector to register a decline, albeit a smaller one, falling by 0.8% in April against a 1.3% decline in March. The diverse performance across these sectors reflects the multifaceted nature of India’s industrial landscape. The notable increases in electricity and steel production highlight the underlying strength and ongoing investments in these critical areas.
This steady growth in infrastructure output underscores the continued recovery and expansion of India’s industrial sector, reinforcing the country’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties. The data suggests a robust trajectory for India’s industrial production, driven by strategic sectors crucial for sustained economic growth.
