New Delhi, March 9 -- Silver and gold prices declined on Monday, March 9, pressured by a strengthening U.S. dollar, which made dollar-denominated bullion more expensive for investors using other currencies. At the same time, rising energy prices heightened inflation concerns, reducing expectations of near-term interest rate cuts.

MCX Silver rate fell 1.3% to its day's low f Rs.2,64,747 per kg while MCX Gold rate fell 1.1% to Rs.1,59,826 per 10 gram.

In the international markets, Spot silver dropped 2.2% to $82.50 per ounce during early trading. Gold prices also moved lower. Spot gold slipped 1.7% to $5,082.51 per ounce as of 0233 GMT, while U.S. gold futures for April delivery fell 1.4% to $5,099.40.

Other precious metals also witnesse...