1. The RBI Stance and Economic Outlook
2. Bullion Market: Gold and Silver Analysis
3. Energy Watch: Petrol, Diesel, and CNG
4. Kitchen Essentials: Veggies and Dairy
5. Frequently Asked Questions
RBI Plays the Long Game: Stability Over Surprises
If you were expecting a radical shift in interest rates this morning, the Reserve Bank of India had other plans. Governor Sanjay Malhotra, in his first policy review of 2026, decided to keep the benchmark repo rate steady at 5.25%. From where I sat watching the live broadcast, the mood in the room felt decidedly cautious yet optimistic. The “neutral” stance was maintained, which essentially tells us that the central bank is waiting for more data before making its next move.
Interestingly, the central bank also opened up lending avenues for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). This might seem like a technical footnote, but it’s a big deal for the property sector. It signals a move to deepen the financing pool for real estate, which has been starving for professional capital. By the time the closing bell rang, the Sensex had climbed over 260 points, largely because the market hates surprises and today, the RBI delivered exactly what was expected.
Bullion Market: A Cold Shower for Gold and Silver Bulls
It was a bit of a “bloodbath” for silver today, to be honest. If you’ve been following the meteoric rise of precious metals lately, today felt like a necessary, albeit painful, reality check. Silver prices crashed by nearly 10% in some sessions, settling around the ₹2.75 lakh per kg mark in cities like Delhi. I spoke to a dealer in Zaveri Bazaar earlier today, and he mentioned that the global selloff—triggered by a strengthening US dollar and some high-stakes diplomatic meetings in Oman—caught many local speculators off guard.
Gold didn’t escape the pressure either, though it held its ground much better than its silver cousin. We saw 24K gold hovering around ₹1.54 lakh per 10 grams. While that’s still historically high, it’s a breather for those looking to buy for the ongoing wedding season. It’s funny how a “drop” still leaves us at such astronomical levels compared to just a year ago.
City-wise Precious Metal Rates (Feb 6, 2026)
Note: Data based on 2026-02-06.
| City | 24K Gold (per 10g) | 22K Gold (per 10g) | Silver (per kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai | ₹1,56,220 | ₹1,43,200 | ₹2,80,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,54,420 | ₹1,41,550 | ₹2,75,000 |
| Delhi | ₹1,54,570 | ₹1,41,700 | ₹2,75,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,54,420 | ₹1,41,550 | ₹2,75,000 |
According to the latest data from Angel One, the MCX silver futures actually dropped to an intraday low of ₹2,29,187 at one point before finding some support. It’s a volatile time to be an investor in “safe havens.”
Energy Watch: Pump Prices Hold Steady
As I drove past a petrol pump in Noida this morning, the digital boards hadn’t changed a bit. It seems the OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) are in no hurry to pass on small fluctuations in global crude to the consumer. Petrol remains firmly above the ₹100 mark in most metros, which continues to be a sticking point for middle-class budgets.
The CNG story is equally stagnant. In Delhi, you’re still paying roughly ₹77.09 per kg. While this is cheaper than liquid fuels, the “gap” is narrowing in other states like Uttar Pradesh where CNG is inching closer to ₹90-95 in some districts. For those who switched to CNG to save money, the math is getting a bit tighter these days.
Today’s Fuel Rates Across India
Note: Data based on 2026-02-06.
| City | Petrol (per Litre) | Diesel (per Litre) | CNG (per kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹94.72 | ₹87.62 | ₹77.09 |
| Mumbai | ₹103.44 | ₹89.97 | ₹80.50 |
| Chennai | ₹100.95 | ₹92.49 | ₹88.00* |
| Bangalore | ₹102.96 | ₹88.19 | ₹82.50* |
*Approximate rates based on local distribution data.
Kitchen Essentials: A Winter Relief for Consumers
There is some genuine good news from the Mandis. Our ground reports from the Azadpur Mandi suggest that tomato and onion supplies are looking very healthy. The all-India average for potatoes is sitting around ₹23 per kg, which is quite manageable. To be honest, it’s about time we had some relief in the vegetable aisle after the spikes we saw late last year.
Dairy, however, remains a bit of a “stubborn” category. While global dairy prices have actually dipped according to the FAO Food Price Index, Indian consumers aren’t seeing much of that reflected at their doorstep. milk prices have stabilized, but at a higher base. The average retail price of milk across India is roughly ₹59.33 per litre. If you’re buying premium pouch milk in Mumbai or Delhi, you’re likely paying closer to ₹66-68.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did gold and silver prices drop so sharply today?
The drop was largely driven by a global selloff in precious metals as the US dollar strengthened. Additionally, technical corrections on the MCX and easing geopolitical tensions in certain regions led investors to book profits after the recent record-breaking rally.
2. Will my home loan EMIs go down after the RBI policy?
Since the RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, you likely won’t see an immediate change in your EMIs. However, because the RBI has been in a “neutral” stance following previous cuts, some banks might still marginally adjust their lending spreads.
3. Are vegetable prices expected to rise again soon?
Current supply looks strong due to the winter harvest (Rabi crop). Unless there are unseasonal rains or transport strikes, vegetable prices should remain relatively stable or even dip further through the rest of February.
4. Why is milk so expensive if global dairy prices are falling?
India’s dairy market is largely driven by domestic fodder costs and procurement prices paid to farmers. While global cheese and butter prices might be falling, the cost of maintaining cattle and processing milk in India remains high, keeping retail prices firm.
As the day winds down, the Indian market seems to be breathing a sigh of relief. The RBI’s “no-nonsense” approach has provided a floor for the equity markets, even if the “glitter” has faded slightly from the gold counters. What this means for you is a period of relative predictability—at least for the next few weeks. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the US trade deal developments, as that’s the next big variable that could shake things up.
Source & Price Verification – Financial Markets
- Gold & Silver Prices: Data referenced from IBJA, MCX India, and international benchmarks.
- Petrol & Diesel Rates: Daily retail prices sourced from Indian Oil, HPCL, and BPCL.
- Commodity Market Data: Verified using MCX, NCDEX, and government statistical releases.
- Verification Process: Prices are cross-checked with at least two independent official or exchange-based sources before publication.
- Disclaimer: Market prices are indicative and may vary by city, tax structure, or intraday volatility.
Note: Prices are updated daily and cross-checked before publishing. If you notice any discrepancy, please email us at [email protected].