RBI Bond Repurchase: Banks Refuse Losses, Repurchased Amount Significantly Below Notified

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) repurchased government bonds worth only Rs 2,069 crore out of the notified Rs 60,000 crore. Banks resisted selling at lower prices, resulting in limited acceptance. The bonds, purchased during the pandemic at higher rates, posed a challenge for the RBI, prompting smaller buyback amounts.

Offer Details and Acceptance

Despite offers totaling Rs 26,877.161 crore for the 6.18 per cent GS securities, only six bids amounting to Rs 552.999 crore were accepted at a cut-off price of Rs 99.61. Similarly, for the 9.15 per cent GS, only two bids worth Rs 1,513 crore were accepted out of 12 offers worth Rs 6,479.791 crore, at a cut-off price of Rs 100.98. Lastly, only one bid worth Rs 4 crore was accepted for the 6.89 per cent GS 2025 out of 27 offers worth Rs 7,238.497 crore, at a cut-off price of Rs 99.86.

Implications and Market Response

This buyback, following a previous one on May 9, indicates banks’ insistence on fair prices. The previous repurchase amounted to only Rs 10,512.993 crore against the announced Rs 40,000 crore. Market participants emphasized the importance of accepting bids only at Financial Benchmarks India Private Limited (FBIL) levels, highlighting the role of FBIL in administering financial benchmarks regulated by the RBI.