New Delhi, April 21 -- Gold prices witnessed a steep surge of Rs 1,493 and breached the psychological Rs 96,000 per 10 grams-mark on Monday, driven by rising demand in the global market.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the yellow metal contracts for June delivery continuing the stellar run for the third straight day by climbing Rs 1,493 or 1.57 per cent to touch a fresh peak of Rs 96,747 per 10 grams, in the initial trade.

Later, it pulled back from the record rally to trade at Rs 1,346 or 1.41 per cent to Rs 96,600 per 10 grams with an open interest of 21,540 lots.

Similarly, the subsequent contract for August delivery rallied by Rs 1,464 or 1.53 per cent to hit a record high of Rs 97,360 per 10 grams on the MCX.

The Commodity m...