The Reserve Bank of India’s latest 8-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction drew bids worth ₹265.35 billion, significantly lower than the notified ₹500 billion. The RBI allotted the same amount at a weighted average rate of 5.26%, with the cut-off rate also set at 5.26%, reflecting cautious liquidity demand.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted its 8-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on January 21, 2026, to manage short-term liquidity in the banking system. Despite a notified amount of ₹500 billion, the auction attracted bids worth only ₹265.35 billion, highlighting muted appetite among banks for short-term funds.
The RBI allotted the entire bid amount at a weighted average rate of 5.26%, with the cut-off rate also fixed at 5.26%. The undersubscription signals comfortable liquidity conditions in the system, with banks not rushing to borrow despite the central bank’s liquidity infusion window.
Key Highlights
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Auction Size: Notified amount of ₹500 billion.
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Bids Received: ₹265.35 billion, indicating undersubscription.
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Allotment: Entire bid amount of ₹265.35 billion accepted.
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Rates: Weighted average rate and cut-off rate both at 5.26%.
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Liquidity Context: Reflects adequate liquidity in the banking system and cautious borrowing demand.
The outcome underscores the RBI’s balancing act in liquidity management, with banks showing restraint amid stable short-term funding conditions.
Sources: Reserve Bank of India (auction data), Economic Times, Business Standard