The Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced on 21 October 2026 that the Index of Core Industries (ICI) grew by 7.9 per cent year-on-year in September 2026. This is an increase from the 5.9 per cent growth recorded in August 2026. Growth was driven primarily by iron ore, electricity, coal, refinery products, cement, and steel, while fertilizers, natural gas, and crude oil saw negative growth. The cumulative growth for the period from April to September 2026 was 5.1 per cent.
Key points
- September 2026 ICI growth: 7.9% (Provisional)
- Highest growth sector: Iron Ore at 18.4% (Y-o-Y)
- Negative growth sectors: Fertilizers, Natural Gas, and Crude Oil
- Cumulative growth (April-Sept 2026): 5.1%
- Next release: October 2026 ICI data will be released on 20 November 2026
When it applies
- release of ICI for the month of October 2026
- cumulative growth period for ICI
- cumulative growth period for ICI
Who it affects
- core industries