"Monthly production output is estimated to have fallen 0.6% in May 2023; this follows a fall of 0.2% (revised up from a fall of 0.3%) in April 2023," the ONS said.
The decline affected three out of four production sectors, driven by a two-percent drop in electricity and gas, a 1.7-percent slump in water supply and sewage and a 0.2-percent dip in manufacturing, not remedied by the 0.3-percent growth in mining, the office said.
In annual terms, May's industrial production fell by 2.3% in line with expectations.
"Monthly manufacturing output decreased by 0.2% and saw 8 of its 13 sub-sectors negatively contributing to growth during May 2023," the statement read.
The year-on-year the figure shrank 1.2%, though a 1.7-percent decline was expected.
22 January 2023, 13:06 GMT