Gold Bars Available by Pre-Order Only... Supply Shortages and the Disappearance of Small Weights Force Some Dealers to Suspend Immediate Delivery

Marsad Al Dahab revealed that demand for gold bars and gold coins has surged in the local market over recent days, coinciding with lower gold prices. The increased demand has resulted in a sharp shortage of supply, particularly for smaller-weight gold bars, prompting some dealers to reintroduce pre-order systems and delay deliveries until sufficient inventory becomes available.

Local gold prices declined during Wednesday's trading session, with 21-karat gold falling by EGP 35 to approximately EGP 6,190 per gram, while gold prices on international markets eased by about $4 to around $4,330 per ounce.

Meanwhile, 24-karat gold recorded EGP 7,074 per gram, 18-karat gold reached EGP 5,306 per gram, and the gold pound coin traded at approximately EGP 49,520.

The recent decline in prices has encouraged many consumers and investors to return to the market, particularly for gold bars and coins, which continue to be viewed as preferred long-term savings and wealth-preservation instruments.

Market participants report that smaller-weight gold bars have nearly disappeared from the inventories of several major manufacturers, while many retail outlets are experiencing supply shortages. As a result, some dealers have suspended immediate delivery services and shifted to advance booking systems, with delivery periods ranging from three to seven days depending on product availability.

The local market is currently witnessing one of the strongest waves of demand for investment gold products since the beginning of the year, supported by lower prices compared with the record highs seen in previous months and by expectations of stronger gold performance over the medium and long term.

The return of pre-order purchases reflects growing confidence among investors that the market is approaching a solid price floor, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. monetary policy and geopolitical developments.

Analysts at Standard Chartered believe gold remains vulnerable to short-term volatility after breaking below its 200-day moving average. However, easing liquidity pressures and improving geopolitical conditions could help the precious metal establish a more stable price base in the coming period.

This outlook aligns with rising local demand for gold bars and coins, as many investors view current price declines as buying opportunities rather than the beginning of a prolonged downturn.

Globally, markets are awaiting the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later today, along with remarks from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, which are expected to provide important guidance regarding the future direction of U.S. monetary policy during the second half of the year.

Investors are also closely monitoring developments surrounding the temporary peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which has helped ease concerns in energy markets, leading to lower oil prices and reduced inflationary pressures, thereby influencing interest-rate expectations.

Despite improving risk appetite across financial markets, gold continues to maintain its appeal as a strategic hedge against economic uncertainty, policy risks, and geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have intensified oversight of mining areas in the Eastern Desert and the Red Sea region as part of broader efforts to combat illegal mining activities and increase official gold production channels.

These efforts are reflected in rising gold deliveries to the Central Bank of Egypt. Shalateen Mineral Resources Company delivered approximately 945 kilograms of gold during 2025, while deliveries exceeded 250 kilograms during the first quarter of 2026. The company is targeting total deliveries of around 1.5 tonnes by the end of the year, supporting Egypt’s foreign reserves and strengthening gold’s role as a strategic national asset.