High gold prices cushion volumes, but demand woes persist
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When the prices are high, the volume will be lower,” Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director at Kalyan Jewellers, said during the company’s quarterly analyst call.Gold prices hit an all-time high of approximately ₹1,69,349 per 10g (24K) following the US-Iran war at the end of February, about 80% higher than the same period the previous year. On 11 May, the price of 24-carat gold stood at ₹15,192 per gm.The sharp rise in prices weighed on consumption volumes.
India’s gold jewellery volumes declined 19% year-on-year to the second-lowest first-quarter on record since 2000, said the World Gold Council's Gold Demand Trends: India Focus Q12026 report. “In contrast, value demand rose 47% on-year to a record ₹99,900 crore, highlighting higher overall spending despite lower volumes,” the report added.Indian jewellers, to cushion demand and protect margins, leaned on lightweight designs, lower-carat products, and studded jewellery, helping maintain healthy top-line growth.For the March quarter, Titan Co.
Ltd reported an 80.5% on-year rise in consolidated revenue, while Kalyan Jewellers posted a 66.2% increase and P N Gadgil Jewellers recorded a 124% jump in revenue.Profit growth was also strong despite lower volumes. Titan reported a 35.4% increase in net profit, Kalyan Jewellers posted a 118% rise, while Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle swung back to
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