India's Gold Demand Drops 6% in Q2 Amid Higher Duties and Grey Market Rise
India's gold demand fell 6% year-on-year to 131.4 tonnes in the April-June quarter of 2026, mainly due to subdued seasonal jewellery sales, higher import duties, and Prime Minister Modi's appeal to reduce non-essential purchases. Despite this volume decline, the value of gold consumption rose 50% to a record Rs 1.98 lakh crore amid elevated prices. The World Gold Council noted a rise in grey market gold imports following a tariff hike to 15%, which hurt organised trade and increased smuggling risks. Global gold demand remained flat at 1,269 tonnes in the quarter, with investment demand showing resilience.
First-hand measurement across 12 sources
We measured how 12 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (53/100). Lens Score 42/100.
Outlets measured: zeenews, timesnow, thetribune, thehindu, businessstandard, thetribune, businessstandard, economictimes, and 4 more. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (50–55/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
economictimes broke this story on 30 Jul, 06:33 am. Other outlets followed.