India's six core infrastructure industries grew by 5.2 per cent in November 2003 following growth in petroleum refinery products, coal and electricity industries.

The infrastructure sector, which also comprises crude petroleum, cement and finished steel industries, had grown by 3.9 per cent in November 2002, data released by the government showed on Tuesday.

Growth during April-November 2003 was, however, lower at 4.2 per cent against 6.1 per cent a year earlier.

The 5.2 per cent growth in November was higher than the 3.0 per cent growth achieved in October 2003 but lower than 5.9 per cent in September.

The six core infrastructure industries had posted growth rates of 3.8 per cent, 2.6 per cent, 4.7 per cent, 4.0 per cent and 3.9 per cent in August, July, June, May and April respectively.

The petroleum refinery products industry grew by 20 per cent in November 2003 against a decline of 4.8 per cent a year earlier.

The crude petroleum industry grew by 2.4 per cent against a 0.2 per cent drop in November 2002 while the coal industry posted a healthy six per cent growth against 1.9 per cent last year.

Growth in the electricity and cement industries was 4.3 and 3.9 per cent in November 2003. The industries had recorded growth rates of 3.5 per cent and six per cent in the same month last year.