Notwithstanding skyrocketing gold prices, its imports are likely to cross the 1,000-tonne mark this year on robust investment demand, say analysts.
Since the US sovereign debt downgrade and the new threats emanating from euro zone economies, gold has rallied a whopping 14% this month
alone, as investors shunned stocks and flocked to the yellow metal as a safe haven.
In the domestic market, gold scaled a new high of over Rs. 28,150 per 10 gm in futures market, while in global markets it hit a record $1,877 an ounce last Friday.
India, the largest consumer of the yellow metal, had imported a hefty 958 tonne in 2010, according to the World Gold Council (WGC) data. During the first six months of this year, the import has already crossed 553 tonne, WGC said.
Geojit Comtrade, senior analyst, Anand James said import is likely to top the 1,000-tonne mark as investment demand is strong.
“Investment demand is likely to remain firm with the price rise,” James said.