Gold prices are once again drawing attention as India enters the festive season, with the precious metal showing notable movement across the domestic bullion and futures markets. Gold rates have moved higher amid changing global cues and renewed buying interest, while prices continue to vary from one city to another because of local taxes and other charges.

According to the market figures cited in the available data, 24-carat gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) climbed to around ₹1,54,263 per 10 grams. This represents a substantial move from the previous trading session's closing level of ₹1,52,981 per 10 grams.

Prices in the physical bullion market were also elevated. The quoted rate for 24-carat gold stood at approximately ₹1,54,970 per 10 grams, while the price in Delhi, including applicable taxes, reached as high as ₹1,56,600 per 10 grams.

For people planning to buy jewellery during the festive period, it is important to remember that retail prices can differ from indicative market rates. Making charges, GST, local levies and jeweller-specific pricing can all affect the final amount paid by a customer.

Gold Price Today: Key Market Rates

Available market figures show different rates depending on the source and segment of the gold market.

MCX gold futures were quoted at around ₹1,54,263 per 10 grams, compared with the previous closing level of ₹1,52,981. In the bullion market, the quoted price of 24-carat gold was approximately ₹1,54,970 per 10 grams.

Delhi's rate, including taxes, was reported at ₹1,56,600 per 10 grams. Separately, GoodReturns data placed the indicative 24-carat gold rate at ₹1,55,990 per 10 grams.

In the international market, gold was quoted at around $4,414 per ounce, according to the figures cited in the source data.

These figures should be treated as indicative market rates rather than the final jewellery purchase price. Buyers should confirm the latest price with a local jeweller before making a transaction.

Latest Gold Rates Across Major Indian Cities

Gold prices differ slightly across cities, and the difference can also become more noticeable when comparing 24-carat, 22-carat and 18-carat varieties.

According to the available GoodReturns figures, Delhi's indicative gold rate stood at ₹1,55,990 per 10 grams for 24-carat gold. The 22-carat rate was ₹1,43,000, while 18-carat gold was listed at ₹1,17,030 per 10 grams.

In Mumbai, 24-carat gold was quoted at ₹1,55,840 per 10 grams, while 22-carat and 18-carat gold stood at ₹1,42,850 and ₹1,16,880, respectively. Kolkata reported the same set of rates.

Chennai also had a 24-carat rate of ₹1,55,840 and a 22-carat rate of ₹1,42,850. However, its quoted 18-carat price was higher at ₹1,20,550 per 10 grams.

In Patna, the indicative rates were ₹1,55,890 for 24-carat gold, ₹1,42,900 for 22-carat gold and ₹1,16,930 for 18-carat gold.

Lucknow recorded rates of ₹1,55,990, ₹1,43,000 and ₹1,17,030 per 10 grams for 24-carat, 22-carat and 18-carat gold, respectively.

The same rates were cited for Meerut, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Aligarh, Moradabad, Mirzapur, Jhansi and Mathura.

Gold Became Costlier in the Previous Trading Session

The previous trading session also saw a sharp rise in gold prices in Delhi's bullion market.

The price of 99.9% pure gold had stood at ₹1,55,000 per 10 grams on Thursday. On Friday, the rate increased by ₹1,600 to reach ₹1,56,600 per 10 grams, including taxes.

The international market also showed upward momentum. Spot gold reportedly gained $50.96, or approximately 1.17%, to reach $4,392.78 per ounce.

The movement was linked to factors including renewed buying following an earlier decline in prices and softer crude oil rates. Global market developments can have a significant impact on Indian gold prices because international bullion prices and currency movements are important components of domestic pricing.

Gold Futures Also Record Strong Gains

The futures segment reflected similar strength. Gold contracts for October delivery on the MCX were quoted at ₹1,54,290 per 10 grams during Friday's trade.

That represented an increase of ₹1,309, or approximately 0.86%.

In New York, gold was quoted at about $4,392.24 per ounce, representing an international gain of roughly 1.16%, according to the figures provided.

Market commentary cited stronger spot demand, fresh buying and positive trends in overseas markets among the factors supporting gold futures.

What Gold Buyers Should Check Before Purchasing

Consumers planning to buy gold should avoid relying solely on headline market rates. The actual jewellery bill may include making charges, GST and other applicable costs. Prices can also vary between jewellers and cities.

Buyers should check the day's local rate, verify the purity of the gold and look for proper hallmarking before completing a purchase. Comparing making charges between jewellers can also be useful, particularly when purchasing expensive jewellery.

Gold prices can change during the trading day as global bullion prices, currency movements, investor demand and other market factors shift. Therefore, the city-wise prices mentioned above should be considered indicative rates based on the available data, and customers should confirm the latest retail price with their jeweller before buying.