Gold and silver prices registered a sharp weekly gain in the domestic bullion market, with gold rising by ₹6,471 per 10 grams and silver climbing ₹17,317 per kilogram, as investors returned to precious metals after prices corrected from their record highs.

According to the latest market data, gold is now trading at around ₹1.46 lakh per 10 grams, up from nearly ₹1.40 lakh a week earlier. Silver also witnessed a strong rally, moving from ₹2.17 lakh per kilogram to ₹2.34 lakh per kilogram during the same period.

Market experts attribute the latest surge to renewed investor interest after both precious metals retreated significantly from their all-time peaks earlier this year. Many investors viewed the correction as an opportunity to accumulate bullion, driving prices higher.

Gold and Silver Continue to Gain in 2026

Despite periods of volatility, precious metals have remained strong performers in 2026.

Since the beginning of the year, gold prices have increased by ₹13,145 per 10 grams, rising from ₹1.33 lakh on December 31, 2025, to the current level of ₹1.46 lakh.

Silver has also posted gains, though at a comparatively slower pace. Prices have risen by ₹3,438 per kilogram since the start of the year, increasing from ₹2.30 lakh to ₹2.34 lakh per kilogram.

Both metals, however, remain below their record highs. Gold touched an all-time high of ₹1.76 lakh per 10 grams on January 29, 2026, while silver reached a historic ₹3.86 lakh per kilogram earlier this year.

Import Duty Hike Adds Pressure on Prices

One of the major factors supporting domestic bullion prices has been the government's decision to increase import duties on precious metals.

In May 2026, the Centre raised the effective import duty on gold and silver from 6% to 15%. The revised tax structure includes a 10% Basic Customs Duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC).

The move is aimed at reducing imports of precious metals and easing pressure on India's foreign exchange reserves. It also partially reversed the customs duty reduction announced in the Union Budget 2024.

Jewellery Imports Now Under Restricted Category

The government has also tightened import regulations by shifting gold, silver and platinum jewellery from the 'Free' category to the 'Restricted' category.

Under the revised rules issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), importers now require a government licence or special permission to bring jewellery made from these precious metals into India. Officials say the measure is intended to prevent misuse of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and improve regulatory oversight.

The tighter import norms are expected to influence domestic supply and could continue supporting bullion prices if demand remains strong.

Why Gold Prices Differ Across Cities

Gold prices are not uniform across India due to several local factors, including:

• Transportation, insurance and security costs.

• Regional demand and purchase volumes.

• Rates determined by local jewellery associations.

• Existing inventory and procurement prices of jewellers.

These factors often result in slight price variations between major cities.

Tips for Buyers

Experts advise consumers to exercise caution while purchasing precious metals.

Buyers should always choose BIS-hallmarked gold to ensure purity and authenticity. They are also advised to compare prevailing market rates before making a purchase, as prices vary depending on whether the jewellery is made from 24-carat, 22-carat or 18-carat gold.

For silver purchases, simple authenticity checks such as the magnet test, ice test, cloth test, and checking for any metallic odour can help identify genuine products, although certification remains the most reliable method.

With global uncertainties, domestic policy changes and steady investment demand continuing to influence the bullion market, analysts expect gold and silver prices to remain closely watched by both investors and jewellery buyers in the coming weeks.

Gold and silver prices recorded a significant correction this week, easing from their recent highs as investors opted to hold cash amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and profit-booking activity. According to data released by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price of 24-carat gold declined by ₹6,438 per 10 grams over the past week, while silver prices fell by ₹14,326 per kilogram. The latest movement comes after months of sharp volatility in precious metal markets, which had surged to record highs earlier this year. Market analysts say the decline reflects changing investor sentiment, with many traders reducing exposure to bullion and increasing liquidity in response to ongoing global tensions. The correction is being closely watched by jewellers, investors, and consumers ahead of the upcoming festive and wedding demand season in India.

According to IBJA figures, 24-carat gold is now trading at approximately ₹1.48 lakh per 10 grams, compared to ₹1.54 lakh on June 6. Silver prices have also softened, falling from ₹2.57 lakh per kilogram to around ₹2.43 lakh per kilogram during the same period.

The decline marks one of the sharpest weekly corrections in recent months and comes after both precious metals touched historic highs earlier in 2026.

Record Highs Earlier This Year

Gold and silver markets have witnessed extreme volatility since the beginning of the year. On December 31, 2025, gold was priced at around ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams. Prices later surged to an all-time high of ₹1.76 lakh on January 29, driven by global uncertainty and strong investment demand.

Since reaching that peak, gold prices have corrected by nearly ₹28,000 per 10 grams.

Silver followed a similar trajectory. Starting the year at ₹2.30 lakh per kilogram, the metal climbed to a record ₹3.86 lakh per kilogram in January. However, the market has since witnessed a sharp reversal, with prices declining by nearly ₹1.43 lakh per kilogram over the last 135 days.

Why Prices Are Falling

Market experts attribute the recent decline to a combination of investor behavior and changing market dynamics.

One major factor is the growing preference for cash holdings. Reports indicate that investors are becoming increasingly cautious amid tensions in the Middle East and broader global economic uncertainty. Instead of moving additional funds into precious metals, many are liquidating positions to maintain higher cash reserves.

Another key reason is profit booking. Gold and silver delivered exceptional returns during the early months of the year, encouraging institutional and large-scale investors to sell holdings at elevated levels. The increase in supply has put downward pressure on prices across bullion markets.

Impact on Consumers and Investors

The correction could offer some relief to jewellery buyers who postponed purchases during the period of record-high prices. Lower rates may encourage demand from retail consumers, particularly with the festive and wedding season approaching in several parts of the country.

For investors, however, the recent decline highlights the volatility that has characterized precious metals throughout 2026. Analysts suggest that future price movements will largely depend on global economic conditions, central bank policies, currency trends, and geopolitical developments.

Gold and Silver May Turn Cheaper After Budget 2026

Buying gold and silver could soon become easier on the pocket. Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, scheduled for February 1, the government is considering a reduction in customs duty on gold and silver from 6% to 4%. If announced, gold prices may drop by nearly ₹3,000 per 10 grams, while silver prices could decline by around ₹6,000 per kilogram.

At present, in January 2026, 24-carat gold is trading at around ₹1,68,475 per 10 grams, while silver is priced at approximately ₹3,57,163 per kg. A duty cut could bring short-term relief to consumers and investors amid record-high commodity prices.

Why Gold and Silver Prices Rose Sharply in 2025

Gold and silver delivered exceptional returns last year. In 2025, gold prices surged nearly 75%, while silver jumped a massive 167%. Experts point to multiple global and domestic factors behind this rally:

 Global tensions and wars: Rising geopolitical risks pushed investors towards gold as a safe-haven asset.

 Weak US dollar: Rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve weakened the dollar, making dollar-priced commodities like gold and silver more attractive.

 Central bank buying: Global central banks crossed 32,140 tonnes of gold reserves by December 2025, supporting prices.

 Industrial demand for silver: Over 50% of silver is used in solar panels, EV batteries and semiconductor chips.

 Limited mining supply: Demand rose faster than supply, creating a shortage.

Will Budget 2026 Duty Cut Impact Gold Prices?

Currently, gold attracts a total tax of about 9%, including import duty and GST. According to experts, reducing the import duty on gold could help curb smuggling and narrow the gap between international and domestic prices. In the July 2024 budget, a similar duty cut boosted jewellery demand by nearly 10%.

However, analysts caution that the impact may be temporary. International market trends play a bigger role in determining long-term gold prices.

Should You Invest in Gold and Silver Now?

Market experts advise investors not to rush into bulk purchases before the budget. Naveen Mathur of Anand Rathi suggests a “buy-on-dips” strategy, while Motilal Oswal’s Navneet Damani expects high volatility in early 2026 but remains positive on the long-term outlook.

Two popular ways to invest:

 Physical gold and silver: Coins and bars from trusted sellers.

 Gold and Silver ETFs: Safer, digital options with guaranteed purity.

Why This Matters Right Now

With Budget 2026 around the corner and commodity markets at elevated levels, any policy move can directly impact household savings, jewellery demand and green energy manufacturing. A duty cut could offer short-term relief and boost consumption.

Interestingly, Indian households hold nearly 34,600 tonnes of gold—worth about ₹348 lakh crore—highlighting the metal’s deep cultural and financial significance.

Bottom line: Keep an eye on Budget 2026 announcements, track global cues, and invest in gold and silver gradually rather than all at once.