NEW DELHI: Rupee fell 32 paise to an all-time low of 95.20 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, pressured by rising global crude oil prices and a strengthening American currency.At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.01 and weakened further to touch a record low of 95.20, extending losses from the previous session. On Wednesday, the currency had depreciated 20 paise to close at 94.88 against the dollar.Global oil prices surged past $120 after briefly touching $122, the highest level since 2022 as fears of prolonged supply disruptions intensified amid a deadlock in talks to end the US conflict with Iran.Forex traders said the USD/INR pair may face further downside as elevated oil prices are expected to increase India’s import bill, while concerns over a broader conflict in West Asia continue to weigh on investor sentiment.Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 3.16 per cent to USD 121.76 per barrel in futures trade, while the dollar index edged 0.01 per cent higher to 98.96, reflecting continued strength in the US currency after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged.“The main effect on the rupee has been from the rising oil prices, which touched USD 120 per barrel and looked headed for further upside as the US continues with its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran does not allow any ship/tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.In the domestic equity market, the BSE Sensex fell 821.79 points to 76,674.57 in early trade, while the NSE Nifty declined 287.3 points to 23,890.35.Foreign Institutional Investors continued to offload Indian equities, selling shares worth Rs 2,468.42 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.“FPIs continue with their sale of Indian Equities and debt (the yield touched 7 per cent on Wednesday) and are also dollar buyers consistently,” Bhansali added.
