Is it permissible to increase the price of gold for a customer who reserved an item by paying a deposit and was two months late for the agreed-upon collection date, especially since the price of gold has risen significantly during this period?

Earnest money (بيع العربون) according to Imam Ahmad is when a portion of the price is paid in advance. If the sale is concluded, it is counted as part of the price; otherwise, the seller takes it. This is not permissible in purchasing gold with any currency due to the delay in possession. A fatwa (definition) was issued by the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Issuing Fatwas prohibiting it due to the absence of immediate possession.