India Market Report Feb 13, 2026: Gold Rallies, IT Stocks Slump, and Kitchen Inflation Fears

Bullion Market: Safe Haven Buying Returns

As the sun rose over Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazar this Friday, the mood among jewelers was notably different from the jitters of earlier this week. After a brutal 3% sell-off in the previous session, gold is attempting to find its feet again. It’s a classic case of “buying the dip” mixed with some genuine fear about upcoming US inflation data. Honestly, looking at the screens today, it’s clear that investors are running back to the safety of gold as the tech-heavy NASDAQ took a hammering overnight.

According to our market tracking, the MCX gold April futures climbed over 1% in the opening hours, comfortably crossing the ₹1,54,000 mark. Meanwhile, silver followed suit, gaining about 2.5% to trade near the ₹2.95 lakh per kg level. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for silver lately—it crashed to ₹2.75 lakh just a week ago but is now showing some serious muscle again.

Gold & Silver Rates Today (Feb 13, 2026)

Note: Data based on 2026-02-13.

If you’re looking to buy jewelry today, keep in mind that these rates don’t include GST and making charges. Interestingly, the southern markets Chennai in particular continue to command a premium, with gold prices often sitting ₹500 to ₹1,000 higher than in the northern hubs due to local demand and logistical nuances.

Energy Watch: The Great Fuel Freeze Continues

If there’s one thing that’s been strangely predictable in an otherwise chaotic market, it’s the price at the pump. Petrol and diesel rates in India have remained unchanged for another day. It’s almost like the oil marketing companies (OMCs) have hit the “pause” button while they watch global crude oil prices dance around. Despite the fluctuations in the international market, the retail prices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata haven’t budged an inch this February.

Look, the reality is that while crude prices are volatile, the government and OMCs seem keen on maintaining some semblance of price stability for the common man. However, that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. If you’re filling up in Hyderabad or Mumbai, you’re still shelling out over ₹104 per litre for petrol. It’s a different world in Delhi, where the rate is closer to ₹94, thanks to lower local taxes.

City-Wise Fuel Prices (February 13, 2026)

Note: Data based on 2026-02-13.

You know what’s really interesting? The growth of CNG. While petrol and diesel are flat, we’re seeing a massive shift in urban areas toward gas-powered vehicles. For the latest city-wise breakdown on fuel costs, check out the official Indian Oil Corporation portal. They’ve got a handy SMS service that’s quite reliable if you’re on the move.

Kitchen Essentials: The Inflation Pinch

Here’s the thing: while the stock market and bullion are for the investors, the vegetable and dairy markets are where every Indian feels the heat. And right now, it’s getting a bit uncomfortable. Fresh data reveals that retail inflation in India hit 2.75% in January 2026. That might sound low on paper, but it’s the highest in eight months. The culprit? Tomatoes.

Tomato prices in January were a staggering 64.8% higher than last year. Walking through a local mandi in Delhi or Bangalore today, you’ll see the impact. While onions and potatoes are actually in “deflation” (meaning they are cheaper than last year), the “tomato tax” is hitting the common household hard. On top of that, we are seeing the aftermath of the dairy price hikes. Both Amul and Mother Dairy recently raised milk prices by ₹2 per litre, citing rising procurement and fodder costs.

Price Breakdown: Daily Staples

Note: Data based on 2026-02-13.

Analysts note that while wholesale prices in some regions like Kathmandu and parts of North India are starting to cool due to the late winter harvest, the retail reduction is taking its sweet time to reach your local vendor. It’s that old story: prices go up like a rocket and come down like a feather.

The IT Sector Bloodbath

I can’t finish today’s report without mentioning the stock market. It was a rough day for the techies. Infosys, a bellwether for the Indian IT sector, crashed to a new 52-week low of ₹1281.55 today. The sentiment is just sour right now. Between concerns over AI spending returns and the broader sell-off in US tech, the Nifty IT index has been under intense pressure. As of this morning, the Sensex was down over 500 points, struggling to hold the 83,000 mark. If you’re holding IT stocks, you’re likely feeling the pinch today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Look, it’s a complicated time for the Indian economy. We’ve got steady fuel prices, but our grocery bills are climbing. We’ve got a rallying gold market, but our retirement funds in IT stocks are taking a hit. It’s a balancing act, as always. Stay tuned to our evening wrap-up for more updates on how the US inflation numbers impact the Rupee and your investments.