<h1>Bullion prices surge ahead of Diwali: gold and silver jump, shortages, delivery delays, consumers defer purchases or switch to silver</h1> Bullion market prices in Indore have risen sharply ahead of Diwali, with gold at Rs 1,31,200 per 10 grams and silver at Rs 1,80,500 per kg, prompting reduced affordability for ordinary buyers and reported wholesale shortages of silver due to heightened investor demand, industrial use and festive purchases. Traders report delivery delays and premia above prevailing rates; consumers are shifting from gold to silver or deferring purchases. The developments raise potential regulatory and consumer-protection considerations concerning market transparency, price discovery, supply-chain reporting and speculative trading practices.