New Delhi, May 20 -- India's eight core infrastructure sectors grew 1.7 per cent in April 2026, with higher output in cement, steel and electricity partially offsetting declines in coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products and fertilizers, according to official data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

"The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 1.7 per cent (provisional) in April 2026 as compared to the Index in April 2025," the ministry said.

Among the sectors, coal production declined 8.7 per cent in April 2026 compared to the same month last year.

Crude oil production fell 3.9 per cent, while natural gas output declined 4.3 per cent year-on-year. Petroleum refinery products output slipped 0.5...