Gold slips below ₹1.60 lakh mark; silver trims losses

March 14, 2026

Gold prices in India slipped below the ₹1.60 lakh mark per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) as global market pressures and currency movements weighed on bullion prices. Silver also witnessed volatility during the session but managed to recover some of its losses later in the day.

The decline in precious metal prices came amid a stronger US dollar and uncertainty in global markets. Analysts say fluctuations in crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and expectations about US interest rates are influencing the movement of gold and silver prices.

MCX gold falls below ₹1.60 lakh

During trading, gold futures on MCX fell below ₹1.60 lakh per 10 grams, reflecting a decline from earlier levels. Market data showed the April gold contract settling around ₹1,59,000 per 10 grams after witnessing a moderate drop during the session.

Internationally, gold prices also weakened as the US dollar strengthened, reducing the appeal of the precious metal for investors. A stronger dollar typically makes gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies, leading to lower demand in global markets.

Despite the dip, analysts believe gold remains a safe-haven asset during times of geopolitical uncertainty and economic volatility.

Latest prices of 24K, 22K and 18K gold

Retail gold prices across major cities in India also reflected the decline in bullion markets. According to market data, the approximate prices were:

• 24K Gold: Around ₹15,966–₹16,068 per gram

• 22K Gold: Around ₹14,635–₹14,729 per gram

• 18K Gold: Around ₹11,974–₹12,051 per gram

These rates vary slightly across cities depending on local taxes, transportation costs and jewellers’ margins.

In terms of 10 grams, the price of 24-karat gold was close to ₹1.60 lakh, while 22-karat gold traded near ₹1.46 lakh in several retail markets.

Silver prices show recovery after fall

Silver prices also remained volatile during the trading session. The metal initially recorded a decline but later pared some of its losses.

In domestic markets, silver futures dropped by nearly 2–4% at one stage before stabilising. Prices hovered around ₹2.6–₹2.9 lakh per kilogram depending on the market and trading session.

Analysts say silver tends to move more sharply than gold because it has both industrial and investment demand. Economic uncertainty and changes in global commodity markets often trigger sharp price swings in the metal.

Global factors influencing bullion prices

Several international factors are currently influencing gold and silver prices. These include the strength of the US dollar, global inflation concerns, rising crude oil prices and expectations regarding US Federal Reserve interest-rate decisions.

Higher energy prices can increase inflation concerns, making central banks cautious about cutting interest rates. When interest rates remain high, non-yielding assets like gold become less attractive for investors compared with interest-bearing assets.

Geopolitical tensions around the world also continue to impact investor sentiment in precious metals markets.

Outlook for gold and silver markets

Market experts believe bullion prices may remain volatile in the near term due to global economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments.

Some analysts expect gold to find strong support near the ₹1.55–₹1.60 lakh range per 10 grams in the domestic market. If geopolitical tensions intensify, safe-haven demand could push prices higher again.

For now, investors are closely monitoring currency movements, crude oil prices and central-bank policies, which are likely to determine the next direction for gold and silver prices in the coming weeks.