Core Sector Records 7.9% Growth in September Amid Struggles in Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Fertilisers

India's overall core sector output recorded a growth of 7.9 per cent in September under the new 2022-23 series, according to recent data. However, reports note that this headline figure masked the underperformance of three crucial economic segments: crude oil, natural gas, and fertilisers.

Output for each of these three industries remained below the base year level of 2022-23 during the month.

Performance Breakdown Across Sectors

• Crude Oil: Production remained below the base year level across all of the first six months of the 2026-27 financial year (FY27). Cumulative output trends since 2023-24 have also been described as dismal.
• Natural Gas: Output outperformed the 2022-23 base year production in only one of the first six months of FY27, joining crude oil in weak performance.
• Fertilisers: This sector showed comparatively better results by surpassing base year levels in four out of the first six months of FY27, though cumulative output still reflects ongoing challenges.

Year-on-Year Trends and Practical Implications

On a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis, none of the three segments managed to surpass their respective performances from the same period a year ago during any of the first six months of FY27.

These sectoral struggles highlight disparities within broader industrial growth metrics. Analysts and stakeholders can verify these figures by reviewing official economic releases and core sector index reports published by government statistical agencies.