Gold duty hike to 15% triggers 10-15% volume drop, squeezes jeweller liquidity

India's gold import duty jump from 6% to 15% has pushed domestic bullion prices up ~10% to ₹16,500/gram, denting jewellery demand across Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. Jos Alukkas, NAC and Senco flag 10-15% volume decline and MSME working-capital strain, while GJEPC warns of rising smuggling risk.

— Filed Wed, 13 May, 2026, 20:43 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

India's gold import duty hike to 15% from 6% has lifted domestic prices ~10%, weakening jewellery demand across major cities, straining MSME liquidity, and raising smuggling concerns, though jewellers say structural wedding-driven demand remains intact.