Gold duty hike triggers ~10% price jump; jewellery buyers downsize, shift to exchanges

India's higher gold import duty pushed domestic prices up nearly 10%, eroding a ₹25,000 budget's buying power. IBJA flags subdued bullion and jewellery demand, with consumers opting for lighter grammage, lower-carat pieces, and old-gold exchanges. Brands like Malabar, AB Jewels and Shringar brace for muted trade until the wedding-festive season.

— FiledWed, 13 May, 2026, 17:11 IST·First seen Wed, 13 May, 2026, 17:10 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) · India's sharp gold import duty hike drove domestic prices up nearly 10%, crushing bullion and jewellery demand.

Key facts

  • 10% price rise
  • ₹25,000 budget loses ~10% value

Why this matters

Softness creates a window to negotiate bolt-ons or design-studio tie-ups with sub-scale regional jewellers facing working-capital stress from the duty-led price shock.