New Delhi, May 20 -- The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 0.5 per cent (provisional) in April 2025 as compared to the index in April 2024, the commerce ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

According to reports, it is the lowest in 8 months.

The production of cement, coal, steel, electricity and natural gas recorded positive growth in April 2025.

The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is a key economic indicator in India, measuring the combined and individual performance of eight core industries.

The eight core industries are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the In...