March 2014 IIP at (-) 0.5% and April 2014 CPI inflation stands at 8.6%

March 2014 IIP at (-) 0.5% -- Growth in industry output, as measured in terms of IIP, for the month of March 2014 is estimated at (-)0.5% as compared with (-)1.7% during Feb 2014. The cumulative growth for the period FY2013-14 stands at (-) 0.1% as compared to 1.1% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The growth in the three sectors mining, manufacturing and electricity in March 2014 stands at (-) 0.4%, (-) 1.2% and 5.4% respectively as compared to 2%, (-) 3.6% and 11.5% in Feb 2014. The cumulative growth for the period FY 2013-2014 in the three sectors mining, manufacturing and electricity over the corresponding year stands at (-)0.8%, (-) 0.8% and 6.1% respectively. Capital goods have grown at (-) 12.5% during March 2014 as compared to (-) 17.5% during Feb 2014. The cumulative growth of capital goods stands at (-) 3.7% during FY 2013-14 as compared to (-) 6% during FY 2012-13.

April 2014 CPI inflation stands at 8.6% -- The all India general CPI (Combined) for April 2014 stands at 8.6% as compared to 8.3% in March 2014. The inflation rates for rural and urban areas for April 2014 are 9.2% and 7.7% as compared to 8.9% and 7.5% respectively, for March 2014.

Warm regards,

Dr. S P Sharma

Chief Economist