By Lewa Pardomuan

SINGAPORE, March 8 (Reuters) - Jewellers sold back some of their holdings on Monday 8 March to take advantage of firm bullion prices, while gold bars were offered at a discount for the first time in two months in Tokyo as selling persisted. India's decision to raise customs duties on precious metals curbed demand from the world's largest consumer, although the busy wedding season will start again next month. India accounts for nearly 20 percent of global demand for gold.

Gold XAU= was steady around $1,134 an ounce on Monday 8 March, within sight of a 6-1/2-week high hit in early March. Gold was about 6 percent below a life-time high around $1,200 struck last December and traded well above a 3-month low around $1,043 seen in early February.

"Consumers are not willing to accept higher gold prices and most retail purchasing in key have been slow, awaiting for a dip in the coming months," said Pradeep Unni, senior analyst at Richcomm Global Services in Dubai.

"A significant price drop, probably to levels below $,1080 would be a necessity to trigger the pent-up demand as most jewelleres are waiting to build up their stocks," he added.

Gold jewellery is the most common gift during religious events in India and and local jewellers normally stock up weeks before key celebrations.

But dealers in Singapore who sell gold bars to India said buying interest from the subcontinent had been slow after the government raised the duty on imports of gold and platinum to 300 rupees ($6.5) per 10 grams from 200 rupees.

Premiums for gold bars were unchanged at 80 cents an ounce to the spot London prices in Singapore.

"I think the duties have added to the low demand from India, but I would say there's still enough time for them to buy before the wedding season," said a dealer in Singapore.

"The price should go down to attract buyers," he added.

India's gold imports Feb. 1-Feb. 25 were provisionally at 30-35 tonnes, about four times the level of a year ago as lower prices encourage demand, the head of Bombay Bullion Association said.

Premiums were also little changed at 60 cents in Hong Kong, but selling from retail investors forced dealers in Tokyo to sell gold bars at a discount of 75 cents to the spot London prices.

"Sales are poor and we've also seen scrap being returned to the market. Trading volumes have been very low lately," said a dealer in Tokyo, who offered gold bars at a premium of 25 cents last week.

(Editing by Ed Lane)