Core sector contracts 4.6 per cent in February; highest in six months

The combined output of the eight core sector industries fell at the fastest pace in six months, contracting 4.6% in February.

"The combined Index of eight core industries stood at 127.8 in February 2021, which declined by 4.6 (provisional) per cent as compared to the index of February 2020," ministry of commerce and industry said in an official release.

Cumulatively, eight core industries output fell by 8.3 per cent during April to February 2020-21.

Coal production declined by 4.4per cent in February, 2021. Its cumulative index declined by 2.2 per cent during April to February, 2020-21 over corresponding period of the previous year.

While, petroleum refinery production declined by 10.9 per cent, natural gas production and crude oil production also declined by 1 per cent and 3.2 per cent respectively.