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Commodity Market Timings In India

Anshika

Trading in the commodity market differs from the equity market not only in terms of products but also in commodity market timing. Commodities are traded across extended hours and multiple sessions to reflect both domestic and global market activity. Understanding commodity market timing in India, including opening and closing hours, helps market participants interpret when different commodity segments are available for trading.

What is the Commodity Market Timing in India?

Commodity market timings define the specific windows during which different commodities can be traded on Indian exchanges, making them an important operational detail for market participants to understand.

In India, commodity trading is conducted in two distinct sessions. The first is the morning session, which runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the second is the evening session, which begins at 5:00 PM and extends until 11:30 PM, or 11:55 PM when US Daylight Saving Time is in effect.

A key distinction exists between agricultural and non-agricultural commodities. Most agricultural commodities, particularly those traded on NCDEX, are available only during the morning session and align with domestic market hours. In contrast, non-agricultural commodities such as bullion, base metals, and energy contracts continue trading into the evening session on MCX, reflecting their linkage to international markets. Certain globally influenced agricultural commodities, including cotton, may also remain open beyond the standard agri session, typically up to around 9:00 PM, subject to contract specifications.

Together, these staggered trading hours accommodate both domestic supply-demand factors and global price movements, which plays a role in how orders are placed and managed across different commodity segments.

Overview of Commodity Market in India

The Indian commodity market is regulated by SEBI and primarily operated through exchanges like:

  • MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) – Metals, energy, and some agricultural products

  • NCDEX (National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange) – Primarily agri-commodities

These exchanges define commodity trading time in India across different segments through clearly specified trading sessions.

Trading Sessions in Commodity Markets

Commodity trading is divided into two sessions:

  1. Morning Session: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  2. Evening Session: 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM (extended till 11:55 PM during daylight saving in the US)

The extended evening session aligns Indian commodity market timings with international exchanges such as NYMEX and COMEX.

Segment-wise Trading Timings

Indian exchanges publish MCX commodity market timings for different segments based on contract specifications and global linkages.

Commodity Segment Trading Timings (Mon–Fri)

Bullion (Gold, Silver)

9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (11:55 PM during DST)

Base Metals (Copper, Zinc, etc.)

9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (11:55 PM during DST)

Energy (Crude Oil, Natural Gas)

9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (11:55 PM during DST)

Agricultural Commodities (NCDEX)

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Agricultural Commodities (MCX)

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies)

Agricultural commodity timings are shorter and generally aligned with domestic market hours.

Why Do Timings Differ for Each Commodity

Commodity trading hours vary across segments due to differences in market linkages, participant activity, and underlying risk factors. Key influences include:

  • Global market correlation: Commodities such as crude oil, natural gas, and base metals are closely linked to international exchanges, leading to extended trading hours to reflect global price movements.

  • Domestic market activity: Agricultural commodities are primarily influenced by local supply conditions and domestic demand, which results in trading schedules aligned with Indian market hours.

  • Liquidity patterns: Trading activity tends to concentrate at different times depending on the commodity, with higher volumes observed during specific sessions based on participant presence.

  • Volatility management: Evening sessions allow Indian markets to incorporate price changes arising from global economic data releases and overseas market developments.

Overall, commodity trading hours are structured to accommodate both domestic market dynamics and global price influences, ensuring orderly price discovery across different segments.

Holiday Schedule

Commodity markets remain closed on:

  • Saturdays and Sundays

  • SEBI-specified trading holidays (often linked to national or religious observances)

Holiday schedules may affect the commodity market closing time for specific contracts.

Commodity Market Activity Across Trading Hours

Trading activity in commodity markets varies across sessions based on factors such as liquidity, volatility, and global market participation.

Session Characteristics

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Generally lower activity levels

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Higher participation in agricultural commodities

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Increased influence from global metals and energy markets

9:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Elevated activity in internationally linked commodities

Factors Influencing Commodity Market Pricings

  • Supply and Demand – Availability of commodities versus market consumption.

  • Weather Conditions – Impact on agricultural yields and production.

  • Macroeconomic Factors – Inflation, interest rates, and overall economic trends.

  • Currency Movements – Exchange rate fluctuations affecting global trade.

  • Geopolitical Events – Conflicts, trade policies, and government regulations.

How to Check Real-Time Trading Hours

Live market timings and contract schedules are available on:

  • https://www.mcxindia.com/

  • https://www.ncdex.com/

Official exchange websites publish updates related to MCX opening time, session changes, and holiday adjustments.

Impact of International Markets

Global commodity exchanges like NYMEX (for crude oil) and COMEX (for gold) significantly influence prices during the evening trading window in India.

For this reason, the late evening window often records higher activity levels in energy and bullion contracts.

Time-Related Factors in Commodity Market

Commodity market activity differs across trading hours due to several time-linked factors.

Factor Relevance

Volatility

Price fluctuations vary across trading sessions

Liquidity

Trading volumes differ by time and commodity

News Events

International data releases often coincide with evening sessions

Personal Availability

Participation levels vary across trading hours

Conclusion

Commodity market timings define when different segments are available for trading in India. With extended hours for metals and energy contracts, commodity market timing reflects both domestic conditions and international market linkages. Understanding commodity trading time in India, including opening and closing sessions, provides clarity on how trading activity is structured across commodities and exchanges.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.

FAQs

Is commodity trading allowed on weekends?

No. Commodity exchanges in India remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

What are the typical trading hours for crude oil in India?

Crude oil futures generally trade from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM, and up to 11:55 PM during US daylight saving time.

Are there evening trading sessions for agricultural commodities?

Most agricultural commodities trade only during the morning session (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), though a few internationally linked contracts may extend into the evening.

What is the purpose of evening sessions in commodity trading?

Evening sessions allow Indian markets to reflect global price movements, particularly from international commodity exchanges.

What are the hours for commodities trading?

Commodity trading in India generally takes place from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM or 11:55 PM, depending on daylight saving adjustments, with agricultural commodities closing earlier.

Which participants trade after 3:30 PM?

Participants trading metals, energy, and bullion contracts continue activity after equity market hours.

What are the trading hours for MCX?

MCX operates from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with trading extended to 11:55 PM during daylight saving adjustments.

Is commodity trading 24-7?

No, commodity trading follows set exchange hours and is not available round the clock.

What are the risks of commodity trading?

Commodity trading involves exposure to factors such as price volatility, global market movements, policy developments, currency fluctuations, and weather-related disruptions.

Are pre-market or post-market sessions available for commodities in India?

No. Commodity trading in India follows fixed exchange hours without separate pre-market or post-market sessions.

Can trading hours change due to regulatory or exchange announcements?

Yes. Exchanges may revise trading hours due to regulatory updates, technical reasons, or international market adjustments.

How are Indian commodity market timings linked to global markets?

Trading hours for metals and energy are aligned with international exchanges like NYMEX and COMEX, enabling price integration across markets.

Hi! I’m Anshika
Financial Content Specialist

Anshika brings 7+ years of experience in stock market operations, project management, and investment banking processes. She has led cross-functional initiatives and managed the delivery of digital investment portals. Backed by industry certifications, she holds a strong foundation in financial operations. With deep expertise in capital markets, she connects strategy with execution, ensuring compliance to deliver impact. 

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