The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 2, 2025
The coal sector has emerged as a standout performer among the eight core industries, achieving an impressive 7.5% growth in November 2024. According to the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the coal index rose to 199.6 points in November 2024, up from 185.7 points in the same period last year (Base Year: 2011-12).
For the April-November 2024 period, the coal sector recorded a growth of 6.4%, with its index climbing to 172.9 points compared to 162.5 points during the same timeframe in 2023. This remarkable achievement underscores coal’s status as the highest growth contributor among the eight core industries, which include cement, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products, and steel.
The combined ICI, which measures the performance of these industries, registered a 4.3% increase in November 2024 compared to the previous year. For the April-November period, the overall index witnessed a 4.2% rise, emphasizing the coal sector’s pivotal role in driving industrial growth.
A major factor behind this robust performance is the substantial surge in coal production. During April-November 2024, coal output soared to 628.4 million tonnes, marking a 6.4% increase over the same period in 2023. This production boost highlights the sector’s ability to meet rising energy and manufacturing demands, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone of India’s industrial expansion.
