Pakistan, March 12 -- Gold prices fell on Thursday, pressured by a firmer US dollar and fading expectations of near-term interest-rate cuts as rising energy prices fuel inflation concerns.

Spot gold was down 0.4% at $5,153.79 per ounce as of 05:45 GMT, while US gold futures for April delivery slipped 0.4% to $5,159.20. The strengthening dollar, up 0.2%, made dollar-denominated bullion more expensive for international buyers, contributing to the decline.

"I think the USD strength and interrelated rates story is a slight headwind for gold despite the actual violence that's taking place, which is otherwise supportive of gold," said Nicholas Frappell, global head of institutional markets at ABC Refinery.

Meanwhile, oil prices surged above...