Core sector shrinks eighth month in row, sharper sequentially in October

Contraction due to decline in production of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products and steel

Contracting for the eighth consecutive month, the output of the eight core infrastructure sectors dropped 2.5 per cent in October, mainly due to decline in production of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, and steel.
 
The fall was sharper than September’s 0.1 per cent.
 
On the other hand, fertiliser, cement, and electricity recorded positive growth.
 
The production of eight core sectors had contracted 5.5 per cent in October 2019, revealed the data released by the commerce and industry ministry on Friday.
 
Between April and October, the sectors' output declined 13 per cent, compared to a growth