Rising prices of gold has come as a set back in sales figures of banks selling them. Heavy rise in prices of the yellow metal has made it practically move out of reach of the common man thereby triggering a dip in sales.

The evergreen popularity of gold across all segments of customers in India had let many lenders into enter into the gold selling business in the past one year.

"Sale of gold coins earned good revenue for banks till last quarter. But now, there is an over 20 per cent dip in sales of these coins," a senior officer of Punjab National Bank said.

However, bankers have a feel that the oncoming festival season may again bring a boost into sales figues of the yellow metal.

"There could be some revival in the ensuing festival season but it remains to be seen how the market evolves," said Mr Anjaneya Prasad, Executive Director, Syndicate Bank.