In the countrys financial capital (Mumbai), standard gold (24 carat) touched Rs 29,170, as investors look at the yellow metal as a safe bet at a time when uncertainty grips financial and currency markets due to geo-political reasons.

Similarly, gold prices shot up to Rs 29,300 in Delhi, Rs 29,280 in Kolkata, Rs 29,250 in Bangalore and Rs 29,330 in Hyderabad, a level that was seen in the third week of May and an increase of Rs 300-500 from Thursdays closing rates.

The sudden rise in gold prices in the Indian sub-continent market has been attributed to a spurt in demand for the yellow metal in global markets such as Singapore and London bullion markets where the metal hit a high of USD 1,322.60 per ounce after the US launched air strikes in northern Iraq against the invading Islamic State (IS) forces.

With the festive season setting in later this month, traders said gold prices will sustain the upward momentum and cross the Rs.30,000-mark even before the wedding season begins next month.

According to the World Gold Council, India became the second largest consumer of gold with 975 tonnes of the metal sold in 2013 as against 1,066 tonnes in China.

PTI