New Delhi, Feb. 21 -- India's private sector output increased at the fastest pace in six months during February amid a quicker expansion in services activity, according to an HSBC flash survey released on Friday.

The latest HSBC flash PMI data, compiled by S&P Global, signalled robust growth in overall sales, and increasing pressure on operating capacities. Price trends diverged, with cost inflation easing, while prices for goods and services rising faster during the period.

Meanwhile, India's manufacturing sector slowed, with the HSBC Flash India Manufacturing PMI standing at 57.1 in February from 57.7 in January.

The index, a composite measure of new orders, output, employment, supplier delivery times, and inventory levels, indicated...