
Gold and silver prices surged more than 6% each on Wednesday after the government raised import duties on the precious metals.
Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday as uncertainty in the Middle East and stronger-than-expected U.S. inflation data dimmed hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Spot gold fell 0.4% to $4,695.99 per ounce, as of 0231 GMT. U.S. gold futures for June delivery gained 0.4% to $4,705.30.
On Wednesday, May 13, MCX Gold 5 June contracts were priced at ₹1,62,648 per 10 grams. Meanwhile, MCX Silver 3 Juy contracts was up by 6.42% at ₹2,96,984 per kg. These gains can be attributed to positive global cues and a decline in the US dollar and crude oil prices after President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran.
Quick answers to key questions
India has raised import duties on gold and silver to 15% from 6%. This move is expected to increase domestic bullion prices and could dampen demand, while also helping to narrow the trade deficit and support the rupee.
The government raised import duties to curb overseas purchases of precious metals and ease pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves, especially amidst rising crude oil prices and a widening trade deficit.
Gold and silver prices surged more than 6% each on Wednesday, May 13th. MCX Gold 5 June contracts were priced at ₹1,62,648 per 10 grams, and MCX Silver 3 July contracts were up by 6.42% at ₹2,96,984 per kg.
On May 13th, 24-carat gold ranged from ₹161,110/10 gm in Mumbai to ₹163,130/10 gm in Chennai. 22-carat gold prices varied from ₹147,684/10 gm in Mumbai to ₹149,536/10 gm in Chennai.
Gold and silver prices are also supported by safe-haven demand due to uncertainty in the Middle East, sticky U.S. inflation data, and expectations of delayed Federal Reserve rate cuts. Declines in the US dollar and crude oil prices have also played a role.
In the retail market of India, 24-carat gold was priced at ₹161,410/10 gm, according to data on the Indian Bullion Association (IBA). Further, 22-carat gold was priced at ₹147,959/10 gms. Silver prices today are at ₹296,570/kg (Silver 999 Fine), as per the IBA website.
Customers must note that jewellers may add making charges, taxes, and GST to the bill, which could hike the final price of the item. Check the full list here for gold and silver prices in your city today, May 13:
24 karat gold rate in Mumbai — ₹161,110/10 gm.
22 karat gold rate in Mumbai — ₹147,684/10 gm.
Silver 999 Fine rate in Mumbai — ₹296,030/1 kg.
24 karat gold rate in New Delhi — ₹162,070/10 gm.
22 karat gold rate in New Delhi — ₹148,564/10 gm.
Silver 999 Fine rate in New Delhi — ₹295,720/1 kg.
24 karat gold rate in Hyderabad — ₹162,610/10 gm.
22 karat gold rate in Hyderabad — ₹149,059/10 gm.
Silver 999 Fine rate in Hyderabad — ₹296,700/1 kg.
24 karat gold rate in Kolkata — ₹162,140/10 gm.
22 karat gold rate in Kolkata— ₹140,323/10 gm.
Silver 999 Fine rate in Kolkata — ₹295,840/1 kg.
24 karat gold rate in Bengaluru — ₹162,780/10 gm
22 karat gold rate in Bengaluru — ₹149,215/10 gm.
Silver 999 Fine rate in Bengaluru — ₹296,940/1 kg.
24 karat gold rate in Chennai — ₹163,130/10 gm.
22 karat gold rate in Chennai — ₹149,536/10 gm.
Silver 999 Fine rate in Chennai — ₹297,570/1 kg.
Notably, gold prices last year experienced their strongest bull run since 1979, rising by over 75%. In recent months, gold prices have risen modestly amid strong safe-haven demand and global economic uncertainty.
In India, the yellow metal climbed from ₹135,257 in early January to ₹157,480 in early March, marking an appreciation of around 16%. In May, the precious metal is trading below those highs as investors booked profits.
Meanwhile, silver prices have seen even steeper increases due to strong demand and currency fluctuations, rising from roughly ₹78,600/kg in 2023-2024 to over ₹200,000/kg in early 2026.
Sanchari Ghosh is a Chief Content Producer at Livemint with 12 years of experience. She takes a keen interest in all things news. Before joining LiveMint, Sanchari worked with BloombergQuint, Outlook Money, Times of India & DNA. Off duty, Sanchari is a sports enthusiast at heart and alternates between tennis, football, and cricket.
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