Tomorrow is Akshaya Tritiya — one of the biggest days in the Indian hindu calendar, and a really auspicious day for gold-buying. And as is usually the case in the days leading up to it, the bullion market is doing what it always does: giving buyers a minor scare before settling into a range that still feels expensive.
On April 18, 2026, gold prices across India have eased slightly from recent highs but continue to hold well above the Rs 1.50 lakh mark per 10 grams for 24-carat gold. Silver has pulled back more sharply, after a steep surge in recent sessions.
This is not a crash. This is a consolidation. And for millions of Indian families who are planning wedding purchases, festival gifting, or pure investment, the direction matters as much as the number.
Today's Gold Rates: City-Wise Breakdown
According to data from the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) as of April 18, 2026:
|
City | 24K (per 10g) | 22K (per 10g) | 18K (per 10g) |
Delhi | Rs 1,54,200 | Rs 1,41,350 | Rs 1,15,650 |
Mumbai | Rs 1,54,200 | Rs 1,41,350 | Rs 1,15,650 |
Chennai | Rs 1,54,890 | Rs 1,41,983 | Rs 1,16,168 |
Kolkata | Rs 1,54,200 | Rs 1,41,350 | Rs 1,15,650 |
Bengaluru | Rs 1,54,200 | Rs 1,41,350 | Rs 1,15,650 |
Hyderabad | Rs 1,54,200 | Rs 1,41,350 | Rs 1,15,650 |
Note: Prices exclude 3% GST applicable at point of retail purchase. Making charges — typically 5% to 35% depending on design complexity — are charged additionally.
MCX Futures: What the Market Says
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for June delivery settled slightly higher at Rs 1,54,605 per 10 grams on April 17, 2026. This is a useful reference point because MCX futures often indicate where spot prices are headed in the next few sessions.
Silver on MCX has witnessed a sharper correction compared to gold. After a stunning run — in which it surged 5.06% in a single session earlier this month, touching Rs 2,40,555 per kg — silver has since pulled back and is trading around Rs 2,59,190 to Rs 2,65,000 per kg on April 18. In Delhi's bullion market, silver has been quoted at Rs 2,53,000 per kg. In the international market, silver is priced at approximately $79.28 per ounce, reflecting sustained global demand.
Compare Yesterday's Prices: Gold and Silver Price Today in India — April 17, 2026
What Is Driving Prices Right Now?
Gold's staying power above Rs 1.50 lakh per 10 grams is not a coincidence. Several forces are at work simultaneously:
- West Asia tensions: Ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to drive safe-haven demand globally. When geopolitical risk rises, institutional and retail investors park money in gold.
- Dollar weakness: A softer US dollar typically makes dollar-denominated commodities like gold cheaper in other currencies, boosting international demand and pushing prices up.
- Central bank buying: Global central banks, including RBI, have been consistent buyers of gold in recent years, building reserves and providing a price floor.
- Festive and wedding season demand: Akshaya Tritiya on April 19 is a major trigger for domestic gold buying. Jewellers across India have reported above-normal footfalls this week.
- Industrial demand for silver: Unlike gold, silver has a significant industrial use case — from solar panels and electric vehicles to semiconductors. This demand base keeps silver elevated even when speculative interest cools.
Akshaya Tritiya: The Context
Tomorrow, April 19, is Akshaya Tritiya — the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar for purchasing gold. The Tritiya Tithi begins at 10:49 AM on April 19 and the puja muhurat runs from 10:49 AM to 12:20 PM. Both Jain and Hindu communities consider this day particularly blessed for investing in precious metals, property, and beginning new ventures.
Jewellers across the country — from large chains like Tanishq and Kalyan Jewellers to local stores — have been running offers this week. Demand pressure is expected to push footfalls and transactions higher on the day itself. Whether prices react upward depends largely on what happens overnight in global markets.
Check last Week's Prices: Stock Market Today 8 April 2026
Should You Buy Gold Today?
This is a question that has no universal answer, and any article that gives you a definitive one is selling you something. Here is what the market reality looks like:
- Gold has seen a fourth consecutive weekly gain, which means momentum is with the bulls.
- A slight dip on April 18 offers a small window for buyers who were waiting for a pullback.
- Analysts say sentiment remains firm — a big correction is not expected in the near term given global uncertainty.
- For pure investment: SGB (Sovereign Gold Bonds), gold ETFs, and digital gold platforms offer gold exposure without making charges.
- For jewellery purchases: The festival day itself will see high footfalls; buying a day early on April 18 may mean less waiting and potentially similar prices.