Coronavirus Outbreak: RBI to infuse Rs 1 lakh cr through term repo auction; move to provide additional liquidity to system

Mumbai: In a bid to provide additional liquidity to the system hit by the coronavirus outbreak, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday decided to inject Rs 1 lakh crore and assured such move further also if required.

The first tranche of term repo worth Rs 50,000 crore was conducted on Monday, while the second tranche of the same amount will be conducted on Tuesday.

File image of RBI. AFP

As a pre-emptive measure to meet any frictional liquidity requirements on account of dislocations due to the coronavirus outbreak, the RBI has decided to conduct the fine-tuning variable rate repo auctions for Rs 1 lakh crore, the central bank said in a statement.

The RBI's move is aimed at providing cheaper money to banks at the repo rate, thus improving liquidity in the banking system.

"The Reserve Bank is monitoring the evolving financial market conditions. The Reserve Bank will calibrate its operations to meet any need for additional liquidity support, if warranted, to ensure normal functioning of markets, promote staff welfare and preserve financial stability," it said.

As a special case, standalone primary dealers will be allowed to participate in these auctions along with other eligible participants.

Banks would be required to place their requests for the amount sought under long-term repo operation (LTRO) during the window timing at the prevailing policy repo rate. Bids below or above policy rate will be rejected.