Topic
commodity
Billionaire Thomas Kaplan Sees Gold at $50,000 an Ounce, Calls Tenfold Rise Inevitable
Billionaire investor Thomas Kaplan, chairman of Electrum, told Kitco News that gold could climb to $50,000 an ounce, or about Rs 15 lakh per 10 grams, calling a tenfold advance inevitable. With bullion near $4,600, Kaplan compares the current pullback to the 1987 crash — the 'best buying opportunity of the entire bull market.'
Commodities India's Lower Sugar Quota for Domestic Sales Failed to Tame Demand, Says Industry
India's lower monthly sugar sales quotas failed to tame demand, with wholesale prices surging to Rs 6,036 per quintal by August 26, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Mills dispatched 7% more sugar than allotted between October 2025 and May 2026, while ISMA estimates closing stocks at just 36 lakh tonnes by September 30.
Gold Price Prediction Today: Why Gold Prices Are Rising — August 26, 2026 Outlook
Gold has rebounded sharply in August, gaining 14% month-to-date, supported by lower US Treasury yields, a weaker dollar and strong ETF inflows of $6.4 billion last week. The near-term outlook hinges on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech and core PCE inflation data, with spot gold at $4,650/oz. Silver has also rebounded, with the Silver Institute projecting a sixth consecutive annual market deficit in 2026.
Commodities UP Sugarcane Dues: Over 94% of Farmer Payments Cleared in Current Season
Uttar Pradesh has cleared over 94% of sugarcane dues to farmers in the current crushing season, with 99 sugar mills achieving 100% payment. An official statement from the Cane Development Department reported record crushing of 9,220 lakh tonnes over nine years and direct transfer of Rs 3.25 lakh crore to farmers, alongside higher productivity and sugar recovery rates.
Sugar ex-mill prices fall 18% to Rs 55 per kg after record high
Ex-mill sugar prices in India fell 18% to Rs 55 per kg after touching a record Rs 67 per kg last week, according to a Business Today report. Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra attributed the drop to the government's decision to allow sugar imports and action against hoarding and speculation. Production for 2025-26 is estimated at 306 lakh tonnes, against annual domestic demand of 280-285 lakh tonnes.
Commodities 'Resale' sugar prices drop in India even as retail rates soar to a new high
Resale sugar prices in key Indian states dropped ₹400-500 a quintal after the government allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar imports, while retail prices rose to a record ₹58.15 per kg. Global raw and white sugar futures also slipped, and production estimates for 2026-27 were trimmed to ~306 lakh tonnes.
Commodities Gold Prices Rise Across Indian Cities on Aug 20; Bengaluru Posts Higher Gains
Gold prices in India rose across all seven cities tracked by The Hindu BusinessLine on August 20, 2026, with 22-carat gold up ₹395 per gram in most metros and 24-carat up ₹415. Bengaluru posted larger gains of ₹404 and ₹425 per gram. Kolkata had the highest rates at ₹14,750 per gram for 22-carat and ₹15,488 for 24-carat.
Commodities Coffee Board and SCAI announce third India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru for February 2027
The Coffee Board of India and the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI) announced the third India International Coffee Festival (IICF 2027), scheduled for Bengaluru in February 2027, with participation expected from over 50 countries. Organisers cited rising global demand for Indian coffee and an expanding domestic speciality coffee culture as the backdrop to the event.
Commodities Karnataka moong arrivals pick up as prices rule firm on lower crop
Moong arrivals have picked up in Karnataka's Gadag and Bagalkot markets as the new-season harvest begins, though trade sources report a lower crop on reduced acreage. Prices rule firm with machine-harvested moong at Rs 7,000-8,500 per quintal and hand-picked lots at Rs 8,600-10,300, while kharif acreage is down 4 per cent as of August 14, according to The Hindu BusinessLine.
Commodities Telangana directs CCI to ensure smooth cotton procurement as acreage rises 3 lakh acres
Telangana has asked the Cotton Corporation of India to ensure smooth cotton procurement at designated centres, with cotton area up nearly 3 lakh acres despite El Nino fears. Farmers face issues with the Kisan Kapas app for slot booking, prompting the minister to seek central intervention. The state has assured CCI of support and asked millers to open mills within 2-3 weeks.
Indian Gold Prices Rise Across Major Cities on August 18: Check 22-Carat and 24-Carat Rates
Gold prices in India rose across all major cities on August 18, 2026, with 22-carat gold up ₹20 per gram and 24-carat gold up ₹21 per gram. Kolkata quoted the highest rates while Chennai and Hyderabad were the lowest, based on data courtesy of bankbazaar.com. The Hindu BusinessLine reported the full city-wise breakdown.
Will Gold Prices Continue to Rally? Outlook for August 17, 2026 Week
Gold prices have turned decisively positive, rising to around Rs 155,145 with a weekly bias bullish above Rs 152,000, according to Motilal Oswal's Manav Modi. Soft US inflation data cut Fed hike odds, while PBoC buying for 21 straight months and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty support the rally.
Gold and Silver Prices Eye Fed Minutes and Middle East Cues in Week Ahead
Gold and silver prices may extend their rally next week, driven by Fed policy signals and Middle East tensions, according to Business-Today. MCX gold futures settled at Rs 1.54 lakh per 10 grams and Comex gold at $4,437.3 an ounce. Analysts see targets of Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams for gold and Rs 2.54 lakh per kg for silver.
Commodities Gold can become a key pillar of India's growth story
Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India of the World Gold Council, presented the Swarna Bharat 2047 roadmap, proposing domestic mining, higher value-added exports, financialisation of household gold and institutional reforms. Indian gold demand fell 6% in the June quarter while spending rose 50%, with prices up 59% year-on-year and import duty at 15%.
Commodities India orders sugar mills to ensure 7-day stock lifting; bulk data due Aug 20
India's Food Ministry has ordered sugar mills to ensure buyers lift stocks within seven days of sale and to submit bulk-consumer sales data by August 20. All-India retail sugar prices have risen 8% and wholesale prices 7% over the past month, with Delhi prices at ₹55-56/kg.
Commodities West Asia tensions ease, reviving orthodox tea demand at Kochi auctions
Easing West Asia tensions have revived orthodox tea demand at the Kochi auctions, with average prices rising ₹4 per kg to ₹177 and sales hitting 98 per cent in Sale 33. Middle East and CIS buyers supported premium grades, while CTC dust prices also firmed by ₹2 per kg.
Commodities Indian government must disclose sugar stock after physical verification, says NFCSF MD Prakash Naiknavare
NFCSF Managing Director Prakash Naiknavare has urged the Indian government to disclose sugar stock figures after completing physical verification of mills, citing price rise and potential supply tightness in October-November. Speculation of season-end stock of about 35 lakh tonnes has driven retail and wholesale sugar prices up, with the government imposing stock limits and planning early crushing.
Crude oil futures fall as OPEC, IEA predict decline in demand in 2026
Crude oil futures fell on August 13, 2026 as OPEC and IEA both revised 2026 demand forecasts downward, with October Brent at $88.55 (down 0.48%) and September WTI at $82.76 (down 0.61%). The IEA projects a 1.6 million barrel-per-day decline in 2026 demand, citing the Strait of Hormuz closure and elevated fuel prices.
Oil Prices Slip as OPEC Cuts 2026 Demand Forecast; Iran War Keeps Supply Risks Alive
Oil prices slipped more than $1 on Thursday as OPEC cut its 2026 global demand growth forecast to 580,000 bpd and the IEA lowered its consumption outlook, while US crude inventories posted their biggest weekly build since January 2023. Brent fell 0.92% to $88.16/bbl and WTI fell 1.07% to $82.38/bbl. Middle East supply risks from attacks on shipping in Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb and stalled Iran-US talks kept the downside limited.
India’s arabica coffee crop may be hit by deficit rain, pest attack
India's arabica coffee output for 2026-27 is under threat from uneven monsoon rains and white stem borer infestation in Karnataka and Kerala. The four key districts recorded rainfall deficits of 2–61%, and growers warn of a drop in arabica production. The Coffee Board's post-blossom estimate projects total output of 4.04 lakh tonnes.
Ethanol supplies cross 800 crore litres: Why India's next challenge is demand
India's cumulative ethanol supplies crossed 800 crore litres in ESY 2025-26, according to AIDA data. Grain-based feedstocks, led by maize and surplus FCI grains, now account for 76% of July supplies, while sugarcane-based ethanol's share slipped to 24%. AIDA says the next challenge is creating enough demand for expanded capacity through higher blending and flex-fuel vehicles.
Commodities Record cotton imports set to push 2026-27 opening stocks to new high of 93.59 lakh bales
India's 2026-27 cotton opening stocks are estimated at a record 93.59 lakh bales, up 68% from 55.59 lakh bales in 2025-26, driven by record imports. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) also raised its 2025-26 production estimate to 339 lakh bales.
Commodities Gold Prices Rise Across Indian Cities on August 11; Latest 22K and 24K Rates
Gold prices in India rose across all major cities on August 11, 2026, with the national 22-carat reference up ₹290 to ₹14,270 per gram, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. City-wise 24-carat rates ranged from ₹14,438 in Chennai to ₹15,089 in Kolkata. Rates were provided by bankbazaar.com.
Commodities Indian domestic cotton prices rise on global cues, firm mill demand
Indian domestic cotton prices strengthened, with Cotton Corporation of India raising prices by ₹700 per candy on firm mill demand amid depleting stocks. Cotton acreage has caught up at over 106 lakh hectares, while ICE futures hover near 84 cents per pound. India's closing stocks are projected to decline to 75-80 lakh bales by end-September.
Commodities Has Coffee Become the Most Misunderstood Agricultural Product in India?
Miguel Villaquirán, Co-founder and CEO of Libertario India, argues in The Hindu BusinessLine that while India has embraced specialty coffee, the agricultural factors that create quality — origin, altitude, soil, climate and processing — remain invisible to consumers. He says a mature coffee culture depends on shifting conversation from strength and bitterness to where and how coffee is grown.
Commodities Rice Prices Steam Up in Indian Domestic Market on Demand-Supply Gap, Deficient Monsoon
Indian domestic rice prices, particularly non-basmati varieties, have risen over 10% in recent weeks due to a demand-supply gap, a deficient monsoon, and a higher paddy MSP. Premium varieties like Sona Masuri, Ponni, and Swarna have seen the sharpest increases, while FCI stocks and record production estimates have not eased miller shortages.
Commodities Coal production stands at over 69 Million Tonnes during last month: Govt
The Ministry of Coal reported that overall coal production during the previous month stood at over 69 million tonnes, against more than 64 million tonnes a year earlier. Overall coal despatch rose to more than 86 million tonnes from over 73 million tonnes, marking robust growth of more than 18 percent. The ministry said coal supply for the power sector remains adequate.
Commodities India's ISMA, cooperative sugar mills seek incentives to offset early crushing losses
ISMA and NFCSF have agreed to start India's 2026-27 sugar crushing season 10-15 days early to boost festival-season supply, but are seeking government incentives to compensate for recovery losses. Pan-India ex-mill sugar prices of ₹40-40.50/kg remain below the ₹42/kg cost of production, and mills have already paid ₹1.10 lakh crore to sugarcane farmers.
Commodities Urad Prices Ease on Improved Crop Prospects, Weak Demand; Mandi Price at Rs 8,638
Urad (black matpe) prices eased to Rs 8,638 per quintal as of August 3, down from Rs 8,908 a week earlier, amid improved kharif acreage across Central and North India and weak millers' demand. Acreage rose 10 per cent to 21.08 lakh hectares as of July 31. The India Pulses and Grains Association expects prices to remain under pressure in the near term.
Commodities Low Ending Stocks Will Likely Force India to Stop Sugar Export, Ethanol Diversion Early Next Season
India's sugar stocks are depleting, with total allocations falling 2.6% year-on-year. The government is probing stock levels and may curb ethanol diversion early next season to ensure adequate domestic supply during festive months.
Commodities Indian Government Limits Sugar Dealers to 400 Tonnes Stock Until November to Curb Hoarding
The Indian government has ordered sugar dealers to hold a maximum stock of 400 tonnes until November 30, requiring liquidation of excess by August 1. The move aims to curb hoarding and speculative trading amid a recent 15% rise in ex-factory prices. The government also banned sugar exports until September 30, while industry bodies project adequate supply.
Commodities Turmeric Prices Surge to Record Highs on Tight Supplies and Deficient Monsoon Rain Fears
Turmeric prices have surged to record highs, with the August NCDEX contract trading at ₹20,518 per quintal, as tight carry-forward stocks and fears of deficient monsoon rain due to El Nino drive bullish sentiment. Industry stakeholders report a hand-to-mouth supply situation and declining inventories, while exports show mixed signals.
Soybean Crop Outlook Favourable for Kharif 2026, Says SOPA; Sowing Exceeds 111 Lakh Hectares
The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has termed the overall soybean crop outlook for the kharif 2026 season as favourable, with sowing covering over 111 lakh hectares. The crop is in good condition across major growing states, though localised germination issues were noted in parts of Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Commodities Godrej Agrovet Unveils India’s First Integrated Oil Palm Complex in Telangana with ₹300 Crore Investment
Godrej Agrovet has inaugurated India's first Integrated Oil Palm Complex in Khammam, Telangana, with a ₹300 crore investment. The complex brings together seed garden, nursery, R&D centre, and mill under one roof, with mill capacity of 30 tonnes per hour expandable to 60 tonnes per hour. The facility aims to boost India's edible oil security and support Telangana's oil palm mission.
Kerala Hikes Natural Rubber Support Price by ₹50/kg to ₹250 Under Incentive Scheme
The Kerala government has raised the support price of natural rubber to ₹250 per kg under the Rubber Production Incentive Scheme, fulfilling a budget promise. The ₹50 increase, effective from July 3, 2026, aims to support farmers facing rising cultivation costs.
Commodities TNAU Forecasts Small Onion Prices at ₹30-35/kg for Upcoming Harvest Season
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's DEMIC has forecast farm-gate prices of ₹30-35 per kg for good-quality small onions during the upcoming harvest season. The forecast is based on 15 years of price data from the Dindigul market and a market survey. Production details, key growing districts, and robust export demand are also highlighted.
Commodities CMA Recommends Heating Oil Protections After Prices Peak 92% Higher in West Midlands
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recommended stronger protections for heating oil customers after prices almost doubled following the US-Israel war with Iran. The plan covers pricing transparency, cancellations, and compensation for 1,700 cancelled orders. West Midlands households, including Jemma McCarron and Nick Weaver, welcomed the proposal amid supply disruptions and soaring costs.
Commodities Sugar Price Surge Unjustified as Stocks Comfortable, Say ISMA and NFCSF After Government Meeting
India's two main sugar bodies, ISMA and NFCSF, have declared the recent surge in domestic sugar prices to ₹44-45 per kg as unjustified, citing comfortable stock levels and ample availability. After meeting with the government, the industry agreed to start crushing earlier in the upcoming 2026-27 season to further boost supplies and curb speculation.
Commodities Urad Prices Surge 20% on Tight Supplies and Rising Rates in Myanmar and Brazil
Urad (black matpe) prices have surged about 20% over the past month, driven by tight supplies, a rebound in demand, and higher rates in Myanmar and Brazil. India's urad output fell in 2025-26, and imports from Myanmar and Brazil dropped sharply. Sowing of kharif urad was 6% lower year-on-year as of July 17, adding to supply fears.
Commodities US sees India emerging as key buyer of its cotton in 2026 as global demand shifts
Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council, stated that India is expected to emerge as a key buyer of US cotton in 2026, driven by lower domestic production and monsoon concerns. The USDA raised India's import estimate to 56.9 lakh bales, while global cotton demand is projected to increase 1.5-2%. Cotton prices on ICE reached a two-month high of over 82 cents per pound, supported by higher crude oil prices and supply uncertainties.
Commodities El Niño Disrupts Pacific Fisheries, Canceling Peru Anchovy Season and Boosting Tuna Catches
The 2026 'super' El Niño is already affecting Pacific fisheries dramatically. Peru has effectively canceled its anchovy fishing season due to warm waters driving fish deeper, while Southern California sees record tuna catches. Seafood prices are rising in local markets, with Peruvian jack mackerel and corvina prices doubling.
Gold Price Crash Triggers Indian Households to Sell Old Jewellery in Record Numbers
Indian households are rushing to sell old gold jewellery as prices crash from record highs. The India Bullion & Jewellers Association reports a 43% increase in recycled gold volumes in the April-June quarter. Companies like Muthoot Exim and Augmont are expanding their recycling networks to capture the surge.
War-Driven Commodity Inflation Will Take Time to Normalise, Says HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe
Hindustan Unilever chairman Nitin Paranjpe told shareholders that commodity inflation from the West Asia conflict will persist. HUL has raised prices 2-5% to counter 8-10% cost inflation while leveraging cost efficiency programs. The company is also focusing on quick commerce, AI, and premiumisation under new CEO Priya Nair.
Commodities Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Forecasts Maize Prices at ₹2,400 per Quintal
Farmgate prices of good-quality maize are likely to trade at ₹2,200-2,400 per quintal during the October-November harvest season, according to the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). The forecast, based on 15-year APMC data, aligns with the MSP of ₹2,410. Below-normal monsoon due to El Nino may disrupt production in key states, while demand from animal feed, ethanol, and bioplastics supports prices.
Commodities Gold wavers as investors weigh US strikes on Iran, await Fed minutes
Gold prices fluctuated on Wednesday as fresh US military strikes against Iran boosted oil and the dollar, stoking inflation fears. Investors awaited the release of the Federal Reserve's June meeting minutes for direction on interest rates. Spot gold rose 0.5% to $4,125.59 per ounce after earlier hitting its lowest since July 2.
OMCs to Break Even on Petrol, Diesel in 7–10 Days as Brent Crude Falls to $72
Global crude oil prices have dropped to four-month lows, with Brent around $72/bbl, offering relief to Indian OMCs that could break even on petrol and diesel within 7–10 days. OPEC+ announced a 188,000 bpd output hike for August, the fifth consecutive monthly increase since the West Asia conflict began. State-run OMCs have absorbed over Rs 75,000 crore in losses in Q1, but lower crude prices and rising supply may enable recovery over 6–12 months.
Commodities Deficit summer rains in South India slash May 2026 tea output by 3.54% year-on-year
India's tea production in May 2026 fell 3.54% year-on-year to 131.60 million kg, driven by a 25% decline in South India due to deficit summer rains. North India saw a marginal increase. Tamil Nadu output dropped 28%, while Kerala fell 16%. The Tea Board data highlights the impact of dry weather on the key growing regions.
Commodities India lifts gas supply restrictions as LNG flow through Strait of Hormuz resumes
The Indian government has withdrawn its March 2026 order regulating natural gas supply, allowing normal LNG imports to resume as Strait of Hormuz reopens after a ceasefire. The emergency measures had prioritised supply for domestic PNG and CNG while reducing fertiliser sector allocations. India, the fourth-largest LNG importer, sources 41.4% of its LNG from Qatar.
Centre hikes onion procurement price by 13% to ₹2,125/quintal, 5th revision this season
The Indian government has raised the onion procurement price for buffer stock by 13% to ₹2,125 per quintal, effective July 4, 2026. This is the fifth upward revision this season, driven by slow procurement of only about 2,000 tonnes since June 1. Supply remains adequate with robust mandi arrivals, though delayed monsoon and speculative buying are affecting prices.
Commodities Cement prices under pressure in July due to monsoon, weak demand: Centrum report
Cement prices are expected to remain flat in July 2026 as the monsoon season and weak underlying demand continue to pressure the sector, according to a Centrum report. Demand in Q1 FY27 was below expectations due to subdued construction activity, labour shortages, elections, heatwaves, and slower government project execution. Dealers do not anticipate any significant price hikes in the near term.
Orthodox Tea Prices Edge Up at Coonoor Auctions as West Asia Truce Boosts Demand
Tea prices were marginally up at Coonoor auctions last week, driven by improved demand for orthodox varieties following the normalisation of issues in West Asia after a recent truce. Sales volumes were robust, with leaf categories seeing 95% of offered quantity sold, while dust achieved 92%. Price movements varied by grade, with orthodox primary whole leaf and brokens dearer by ₹4–5 per kg.
El Nino Threatens India's Sugarcane Production, Weakening Monsoon Adds Risk
A developing El Nino weather pattern could weaken India's monsoon and weigh on sugarcane production. Industry experts warn output could drop to 390 million tonnes if July-August rainfall disappoints, tightening sugar supplies.
Commodities Gold ETF Inflows Turn Positive After Five Weeks of Continuous Outflows
Inflows into physically-backed gold ETFs turned positive last week after five weeks of continuous exit, with net investments of $3.15 billion against outflows of $2.01 billion. The inflows were led by the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland and France. Gold prices topped $4,300 an ounce mid-week before falling on a hawkish Fed signal.
India’s Wheat Procurement Surpasses 35.5 Mt Target, Up 19% Year-on-Year
The Indian government's wheat procurement has exceeded its revised target of 35.54 million tonnes, reaching 35.76 million tonnes as of June 21, a 19% increase from the same period last year. Nearly 68% of the procured wheat was under relaxed quality specifications. Central Pool stocks stood at 53.41 million tonnes as of June 1, the highest since 2021.
First Urea Vessel for India Sails via Hormuz, Set to Reach East Coast in 7-9 Days
The first of 16 stranded fertilizer vessels has begun sailing via the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to reach an Indian east coast port in 7-9 days. Industry sources said 7 more urea ships will depart in the coming days, with all 3 lakh tonnes of imported urea likely to arrive by July 15. Meanwhile, new tender rates have dropped sharply, with NFL's June 8 bids at $449/tonne west coast and $445/tonne east coast, far below April's $935/tonne.
Strait of Hormuz oil flows may recover to only 70% after war: Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs analysts predict that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz may recover to only about 70% of pre-war levels, even after the US-Iran deal reopens the waterway. Regional producers like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iraq have increased reliance on alternative pipelines, and the UAE is pursuing a plan to eliminate Hormuz dependency entirely.
Commodities India Soyabean Acreage Seen Rising Up to 10% on High Prices, Weak Monsoon Outlook
India's soyabean acreage is expected to rise by up to 10% in 2026, from 12 million hectares in 2025, driven by four-year-high prices and a forecast of below-normal monsoon rainfall due to El Nino. Farmers are shifting from water-intensive crops like sugarcane and corn. Higher output could help curb edible oil imports and ease domestic soyabean and soyameal prices.
Blenders and Upcountry Buyers Drive Tea Prices Higher at Coonoor Auctions
Tea prices at Coonoor auctions rose by Rs2 per kg on average, driven by brisk demand from blenders and upcountry buyers. Lower offerings supported the uptick, with CTC leaf and orthodox grades showing varied price movements.
Gold, Silver Prices Face Bearish Pressure on MCX; Resistance Levels in Focus
MCX gold and silver prices are trading with a bearish bias on June 11, 2026, according to Abhilash Koikkara of Nuvama Professional Clients Group. Gold has a downside target of 140,000 with resistance at 152,000, while silver targets 225,000 with resistance at 240,000. Traders are advised to adopt a sell-on-rise approach amid weak market sentiment.
Gold and Silver Outlook: Central Bank Meetings, US-Iran Deal, and Crude Oil in Focus
Gold and silver prices are expected to remain range-bound as traders watch central bank meetings (Bank of Japan, Fed, Bank of England), US-Iran deal developments, and crude oil movements. Domestic gold futures on MCX fell 3.2% to around Rs 1.50 lakh/10g, while Comex gold dropped nearly 3% to $4,238.8/oz. Analysts note volatility from US-Iran uncertainty, with safe-haven buying after reports of no imminent military action.