[46510] Changes in the gold market in Iran: online platforms will join the auctions

Changes in gold auctions in Iran ahead of the year 1405

Ahead of the opening of auctions for the year 1405, the Center for Foreign Exchange and Gold Trading in Iran announced a series of measures aimed at regulating the precious metals market. According to آخرین خبر, the first auction for this year is expected to be held on 13 Ordibehesht (May 3, 2026), with each participant allowed to purchase up to 25 standard ingots with a purity level of 995 out of 1000.

In a supplementary step, it was reported by خبرگزاری ایرنا — a state news agency identified with the official line of the Iranian government — that for the first time, the entry of "online trading entities" (online sales platforms) into gold auctions was permitted. According to Reza Olfat-Nasab, head of the Virtual Business Association in the country, the integration of these factors is expected to serve as a "strong signal for competitiveness, oversight, and reduction of the price bubble in the gold market."

Official sources emphasize that the integration of online platforms may assist in the "hoarding of gold" by those entities, which may lead to an increase in supply in the market. This step comes after the Central Bank of Iran tightened procedures ahead of the opening of the new auction season, while limiting the deadline for depositing guarantees for participants until midnight on the day before the auction.