Breaking

Iran vs US Tensions escalate as Iran warns of retaliation over new sanctions Middle East Ceasefire talks enter critical 72-hour window Mint Core sector growth slows to 2.3% in February from 4.7% in Jan Iran vs US Tensions escalate as Iran warns of retaliation over new sanctions Middle East Ceasefire talks enter critical 72-hour window Mint Core sector growth slows to 2.3% in February from 4.7% in Jan

Core sector growth slows to 2.3% in February from 4.7% in Jan

Mint

20 March 2026

Core sector growth slows to 2.3% in February from 4.7% in Jan

Summary

On a cumulative basis, core sector growth during April–February stood at 2.5% over a year earlier, reflecting a sharp divergence between infrastructure-driven sectors and energy extraction segments.

Growth outlook amid global risks

“Energy prices may not return to the February 2026 levels in the near term, even if there is a rapid de-escalation of the conflict in West Asia. Assuming the crude oil price to average US$85/barrel in FY2027, ICRA now projects GDP growth for the coming fiscal at 6.5%, lower than our previous estimate of 7.1%, which had built in crude oil at US$70-75/barrel,” Said Aditi Nayar, chief economist, ICRA Ltd.

Source Mint