New Delhi, June 18 -- Gold imports in India have declined to around 25-30 tonnes per month from the earlier level of 70-100 tonnes, with the increase in import duty helping reduce import volumes, a government source said on Thursday.

"The duty hike is working," the source said, adding that the fall in gold imports was also due to factors including high gold prices, lower jewellery demand and increased recycling of gold globally.

The government had increased the effective import duty on gold from 6 per cent to 15 per cent as part of measures aimed at curbing precious metal imports, easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and reducing the impact of high import bills.

The source said gold imports have moderated after the duty increas...