The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had telegraphed in its previous post-monetary policy press conferences that the system liquidity will move into deficit in the second half of the fiscal year and that the evolving liquidity conditions shall determine its choice of instruments for both transient and durable liquidity management.

In its press release dated September 27, 2018, RBI had reassured the financial markets that it stands ready to meet the liquidity requirements of the system.

Based on an assessment of the durable liquidity needs going forward and the seasonal growth in currency in circulation observed in build-up to the festive season, RBI has decided to conduct purchase of Government securities under Open Market Operations (OMOs) for an aggregate amount of ₹ 360 billion in the month of October 2018.The auctions would be conducted during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of October.

The auction dates and the Government securities to be purchased in respective auctions would be communicated in due course. The OMO amount stated above is indicative and RBI retains the flexibility to change it, depending on the evolving liquidity and market conditions.

Shailaja Singh
Deputy General Manager

Press Release: 2018-2019/744