Core contracts 1.5% in November

India’s infrastructure sector contracted 1.5 per cent in November against a growth of 3.3 per cent a year ago. The infrastructure index, comprising eight industries, has reported negative growth since August. In October, the index contracted 5.8 per cent.

Production of coal contracted 2.5 per cent, crude oil six per cent, natural gas 6.4 per cent, steel 3.7 per cent and electricity 5.7 per cent.

Crude oil, natural gas and steel saw their output shrink at a faster pace in November than in October.

Refinery output was up 3.1 per cent, fertilisers 13.6 per cent and cement 4.1 per cent.