Home-cooked thali costs saw a mixed trend in March 2026. Non-vegetarian thalis became cheaper by 1% year-on-year, driven by lower chicken prices. Vegetarian thalis, however, remained stable as a significant tomato price hike offset reductions in onions, potatoes, and pulses. Monthly costs also decreased for both.
Gold and silver prices dipped in Delhi as investors grew cautious due to US President Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating Middle East tensions and fears of military action are impacting bullion markets. Global gold saw a slight rise, but dollar strength and oil price surges are creating volatility.
Uday Kotak warns of a return to global colonialism, citing geopolitical shifts and US policy. He urges India Inc to boost innovation, manufacturing, and energy security, emphasizing self-reliance. Kotak highlights the changing global power balance and the need for India to seize this turning point with urgency and purpose, preparing for potential structural disruptions.
States and Union Territories are directed to double the daily supply of 5-kg LPG cylinders for migrant workers, ensuring targeted distribution with Oil Marketing Company support. The Centre assures a stable overall LPG supply, dismissing reports of shortages at petrol pumps and LPG distributors. Over 6.75 lakh 5-kg cylinders have been sold since March 23.
Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty, staged a strong intraday recovery to close higher on Tuesday. Easing crude oil prices, positive global cues, and robust buying in IT stocks fueled the rebound. Despite initial weakness, markets ended firmly in the green, with IT stocks leading the gains.
Gold futures dipped Tuesday as rising crude oil prices and Middle East tensions made investors cautious, impacting demand for the safe-haven asset. While futures saw a decline, retail gold rates presented a mixed picture across major Indian cities, with some experiencing slight increases and others minor drops.
The Middle East conflict’s sixth week sees global energy markets reeling. Soaring crude prices offer windfalls to some Gulf producers like Iran and Saudi Arabia, despite export drops. Others, heavily reliant on the Strait, face severe revenue plunges. The disruption, following airstrikes on Iran, has led to significant oil supply shocks worldwide.
Gold price prediction today: Amid the Middle East conflict, gold prices are likely to see limited upside in the short-term, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.
India, which relies on imports for about 90% of its crude oil needs, has been exploring alternative sources after the conflict affected flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that typically handles nearly 40% of its oil supplies.
