Eight core sectors expanded at the fastest pace in more than a year at 6 point 8 percent in November 2017 on account of robust performance in segments like refinery, steel and cement. <br/><br/>According to the data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, the output of refinery products rose by 8.2 percent, steel – 16.6 percent and cement – 17.3 percent on an annual basis in November. <br/><br/>Crude oil and natural gas output too registered a positive growth. Coal output growth rate, however, recorded a negative growth during the month under review.The output growth is the highest since October 2016, when these core sectors, also including fertilisers and electricity, had witnessed a 7.1 percent rise.<br/>'<br/>Commenting on the data, Economic Affairs Secretary SC Garg described the rise as an impressive growth. He said in a tweet that Steel and Cement growth indicates restoration of the production in these sectors over pre-demonetisation levels. He said it augurs well for real sector investment.