MUMBAI, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Indian gold futures eased on Monday after hitting their highest level in three weeks earlier on global leads, though a weaker rupee limited the downside, and domestic traders in the physical market awaited supplies. * At 0948 GMT, the most-actively traded gold for February delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was 0.13 percent lower at 29,120 rupees per 10 grams. The contract earlier hit a high of 29,266 rupees, a level last seen on Dec. 16. * Silver for March delivery on the MCX was 0.6 percent lower at 45,200 rupees per kg. * The rupee, which weakened on Monday, plays an important role in determining the landed cost of the dollar-quoted yellow metal. * "We are declining orders as goods are not available... even if there is some quantity, they are quoting a high premium," said Harshad Ajmera, proprietor of JJ Gold House. Trading agencies were quoting a premium of $130 an ounce on London prices, he added. * Indian gold imports may fall 70 percent in the final quarter of 2013 from 255 tonnes in the year-ago period and are expected to be half the usual levels at 500-550 tonnes next year if new import rules are maintained, a top trade body official said. * To curb a rising trade gap, the Indian government slapped a record import duty of 10 percent, and tied imports for domestic consumption with exports. * Following were the prices of gold and silver in rupees as of 1315 local time in the spot market, quoted by HDFC Bank: Monday Friday ====================================== Gold .999/10 grams 27,630 27,440 Silver .999/kg 45,200 45,216

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