NEW DELHI, Dec. 22 -- India's eight core industries grew 1.8% in November, snapping a contraction in October, as higher output in fertilizers, steel, coal and cement offset continued weakness in oil, gas and refinery products, official data showed.

Cement output rose 14.5% during the month, fertilizers grew 5.6%, steel expanded 6.1%, and coal production increased 2.1%.

Overall core sector growth, however, remained modest as output of crude oil, natural gas and refinery products contracted, according to data released by the ministry of commerce and industry on Monday.

During the April-November period of the current fiscal year, core sector output expanded 2.4% year-on-year.

The eight core industries-coal, crude oil, natural gas, refine...