Core sector growth slows to 0.5% in May as coal, refinery output contract

India's core infrastructure sector saw a significant slowdown in May, growing by just 0.5% year-on-year. This dip was primarily driven by sharp contractions in coal, crude oil, natural gas, and refinery products. However, the situation was partially offset by robust growth in steel, cement, and electricity generation, offering a mixed picture for the economy's foundational industries.