New Delhi, April 29
The production growth of eight infrastructure sectors slowed down to 4.3% in March due to a decline in the output of coal and crude oil, though for the full 2021-22 fiscal, the core sector recorded a 10.4% expansion, according to official data released on Friday.
The eight infrastructure sectors — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity — had expanded by 6% in February.
During April-March 2021-22, the eight sectors grew by 10.4% compared to a contraction of 6.4% in 2020-21.
The output of coal and crude oil contracted by 0.1% and 3.4% in March.
The growth in the production of natural gas, steel, cement and electricity slowed down to 7.6%, 3.7%, 8.8% and 4.9% during the month under review as against 12.3%, 31.5%, 40.6% and 22.5% in March 2021 respectively, the data showed. Refinery products and fertilisers output grew by 6.2% and 15.3%, respectively in March this year.
Commenting on the numbers, Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA Ltd, said the pace of core sector growth slowed to a “sedate” 4.3% in March 2022, with a slowdown in five of the eight constituents. — PTI
Numbers at a glance
- The eight infrastructure sectors — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity — had expanded by 6% in February
- During April-March 2021-22, the eight sectors grew by 10.4% compared to a contraction of 6.4% in 2020-21
- The output of coal shrunk by 0.1% and that of crude oil by 3.4%
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