Business Desk
May 18, 2024
A representational image. — Freepik
In what seems to be an indication of another historic high nearing, gold rate in Pakistan on Saturday registered a massive jump, rising over Rs 3,000 per tola in the wake of a considerable surge seen in yellow metal's cost in the international market.
The price of gold in Pakistan increased by Rs3,100 per tola and Rs2,658 per 10 grams to settle at Rs248,100 and Rs212,706, respectively, as per the data provided by All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.
Per tola gold price in Pakistan touched an all-time high of Rs252,200 per tola on Saturday (April 20, 2024). Cumulatively, gold gained Rs5,500 per tola during the week ending May 11, 2024.
The association also mentioned that the price of gold is Rs4,000 per tola “undercost” in Pakistan, as compared to international market, showing that the Pakistani gold market was currently cheaper than the global.
Gold — which is considered a hedge against inflation — registered losses in the local market after a stronger-than-expected inflation data — which fell to its lowest level since May 2022 — softened expectations of a rate cut. Moreover, steady monetary policy sapped investors’ spirit.
In the similar manner as that of Pakistan's domestic market, gold price gained $30 per ounce in the international market to settle at $2,414.
Bullion price in the international market touched a record high of $2,431.29 on April 12.
Surprisingly, silver price in the local market also gained Rs120 per tola and Rs102.88 per 10 grams to settle at Rs2,850 and Rs2,443.41, respectively.
Gold price in Pakistan is announced by the association, which determines gold prices in Pakistan for local markets six days a week from Monday to Saturday.
Pakistan is a small market for gold at the global level. It meets the commodity’s demand through imports as it does not produce the precious metal locally.
Accordingly, the gold rate in Pakistan is determined by keeping in view its prices in world markets, rupee-dollar exchange rate, and demand and supply in domestic markets. The latest price for local markets was determined to keep in view the prices at which trade took place among buyers and sellers.
Gold price in Pakistan has been volatile in Pakistan recently amid continued political and economic uncertainty and high inflation. People prefer to buy this precious commodity in such times as a safe investment and a hedge.
