Gold and silver price today: Domestic rates hold firm on May 1 amid global geopolitical tensions

# Business Desk
Representational image.| AI generated.
Representational image.| AI generated.

Domestic gold and silver valuations remained relatively stagnant on May 1, 2026, as market participants weighed escalating geopolitical strife in West Asia against shifting signals from the U.S. dollar. Despite their reputation as traditional safe-haven assets, precious metals failed to see a significant surge, suggesting a period of investor hesitation paired with consistent domestic requirements.

According to current retail figures, 24-carat gold is valued at approximately ₹15,067 per gram, with 22-carat gold trading near ₹13,811 per gram. In the domestic bullion market, silver is positioned at roughly ₹2,49,900 per kilogram. Discrepancies in regional pricing persist due to localised taxation, logistics, and varying retail premiums.

Gold Rates Across Major Municipalities

The following table outlines the per-gram cost of gold in key urban centres:

City 24K Gold (₹) 22K Gold (₹) 18K Gold (₹)
Delhi 15,082 13,826 11,315
Mumbai 15,067 13,811 11,300
Chennai 15,383 14,101 11,776
Kolkata 15,067 13,811 11,300

Market analysts noted that Indian bullion prices are predominantly dictated by global spot rates, the rupee-to-dollar exchange rate, federal import levies, and cyclical jewellery interests. The imminent arrival of wedding and festival periods in several states has bolstered retail demand, acting as a buffer against significant price drops.

Silver Market Dynamics

Silver continues to maintain high valuation levels relative to historical averages, driven by a combination of industrial applications and investment acquisitions. Because silver is integral to global manufacturing, it often exhibits greater volatility than gold during periods of economic instability.

City Silver (₹ per 10 gm) Silver (₹ per kg)
Delhi 2,499 2,49,900
Mumbai 2,499 2,49,900
Chennai 2,599 2,59,900
Kolkata 2,499 2,49,900

Commodity Exchange Performance

During the April 30 trading session on the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures concluded with a marginal gain, settling at ₹1,51,255. Silver futures also saw a modest uptick, rising 0.7% to close at ₹2,38,790 per kilogram.

Commodity Price (MCX) Change
Gold ₹1,51,225 Up 0.08%
Silver ₹2,38,790 Up 0.07%

While futures data indicated slight downward pressure on the broader bullion market—with silver experiencing a more pronounced correction—experts suggest that traders are maintaining a defensive posture. The trajectory of precious metals in the coming weeks is expected to be defined by international macroeconomic data, currency fluctuations, and shifting geopolitical landscapes.