After a period of post-budget cooling, gold prices in India have snapped their losing streak on Friday, February 27, 2026. The yellow metal surged by 0.86%, with 24K gold crossing the ₹1.60 lakh mark once again. While international diplomatic efforts are dampening some of the “fear-buying,” domestic concerns regarding import duties and trade tariffs are keeping the floor high for Indian retail investors.
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National Gold Rates: 24K, 22K, and 18K
The intraday gain of ₹1,370 has pushed rates up across all purity levels.
| Purity | Price per 10g (Today) | Price per 10g (Yesterday) | Absolute Change |
| 24 Carat | ₹160,720 | ₹159,350 | + ₹1,370 |
| 22 Carat | ₹147,327 | ₹146,071 | + ₹1,255 |
| 18 Carat | ₹120,540 | ₹119,513 | + ₹1,027 |
City-Wise Comparison: Metros and Hubs
Local demand and logistical variations continue to create price pockets across the country.
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Chennai: ₹161,190 (Highest among major metros)
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Ahmedabad/Surat: ₹160,930
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Mumbai/Pune: ₹160,720
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Bangalore: ₹160,840
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Delhi/Kolkata: ₹160,440 – ₹160,510 (Lower end of the spectrum)
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Drivers of the Surge: Tariffs and Geopolitics
The sudden uptick is largely attributed to a “wait-and-watch” sentiment regarding global trade.
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Tariff Fears: Markets are on edge over reports that reciprocal tariffs could be hiked from 10% to 15%, which would immediately inflate the cost of imported gold.
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US-Iran Talks: Progress in these diplomatic channels is technically “bearish” for gold (as it reduces safe-haven demand), but a steady US Dollar Index is keeping prices from dropping significantly.
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Interest Rate Outlook: Expectations for a third rate cut have faded. Since gold thrives in low-rate environments, this “hawkish” turn is acting as a price cap.
Reality Check
Gold has rebounded, but it is still far from its January all-time peak. Still, the ₹7,287 price difference between India and Dubai remains a massive hurdle for domestic buyers. Therefore, while today’s 0.86% gain looks like a rally, it is more of a “range-bound” correction as the market absorbs news of the 15% tariff threat. In fact, if the US-Iran talks succeed, we could see these gains erased by early next week.
The Loopholes
The price gain is attributed to tariff concerns. In fact, this is a “Speculation Loophole”—the tariffs haven’t been hiked yet, but jewellers and importers are already pricing in the possibility. Therefore, the consumer is paying for a future tax that may not even materialize. Still, the “Dubai Loophole”—where individuals try to bring gold from UAE—remains restricted by strict customs duties that often negate the ₹7,000 savings.
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What This Means for You
If you are a retail investor, don’t chase this 0.86% spike. First, realize that the market is currently “news-driven” rather than fundamentally bullish, meaning volatility will be high. Then, if you are planning to buy for an upcoming wedding, understand that Chennai continues to carry a premium, so if you are traveling to Delhi or Kolkata, you might save nearly ₹700 per 10 grams.
Finally, understand that April 1, 2026, is a key date.You should look at Gold ETFs as a more “transparent” way to track domestic prices once the new SEBI-aligned rules kick in. Before you commit to a large physical purchase, wait for a clearer signal on the US Federal Reserve’s next move, as any dollar strength will eventually pull gold prices down.
What’s Next
Analysts expect gold to remain between ₹158,000 and ₹162,000 for the next fortnight. Then, look for the March 15 Tariff Announcement to see if the 15% hike becomes reality. Finally, expect a surge in “Digital Gold” interest as the April 1 deadline for the new ETF pricing standards approaches.
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