Cheaper gold by Rs 10 lakh - 15% import duty prompts smuggling wave in India

A recent surge in gold import duty has fueled a wave of smuggling, with illicit gold now available at discounts of up to Rs 10 lakh per kilogram. This creates a significant price disparity with legally imported bullion, mirroring trends seen after a similar duty hike in 2013. Industry experts warn of escalating unofficial imports.