Core sector growth slows to 0.5% in May 2026, second-slowest in 21 months

India's eight core industrial sectors saw growth slow to 0.5% in May 2026, marking the second-lowest performance in nearly two years. Significant contractions were observed in the petroleum, natural gas, and coal sectors, partly attributed to international market conditions and supply chain issues.
Why it matters
The slowdown in core industrial sectors serves as a critical indicator of broader economic health and potential manufacturing challenges in India.
Growth in activity in India’s eight core industrial sectors slowed to 0.5% in May 2026, the second-lowest in 21 months, official data showed.
The report relies on official government data and expert economic analysis without partisan framing.
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