Indian Rupee Hits Record Low of 93.12 Against US Dollar
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) The Indian rupee has plummeted to an unprecedented low of 93.12 against the US dollar today, driven by ongoing global supply chain issues due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The domestic currency experienced a decline of 0.55 percent, surpassing its previous record low of 92.63 reached earlier in the week.
Since the onset of tensions in West Asia, the rupee has depreciated by nearly 2 percent.
Market analysts suggest that the USD/INR exchange rate is trading above 92.8, reflecting persistent pressure on the rupee as crude oil prices remain high and global risk aversion persists.
A sustained movement above 93.00 could reinforce the upward trend, with resistance levels identified between 93.20 and 93.40, while support is expected around 92.70 and 92.50 to 92.40, according to Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.
In contrast, domestic equity markets saw a recovery, with the Sensex climbing over 900 points (approximately 1 percent), and the Nifty gaining nearly 300 points (about 1.35 percent).
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers, shedding equities worth Rs 7,558.19 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
Additionally, global oil prices have fallen following signals from the US regarding a potential easing of sanctions on Iranian crude, as efforts to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz intensify.
Brent crude futures dipped as much as 3.39 percent to an intraday low of $104.96 per barrel, while US WTI crude futures decreased by 3.22 percent to $92.47.
This drop in oil prices follows comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who indicated that Washington might consider relaxing restrictions on Iranian oil currently at sea to help stabilize global prices.
Even with the recent decline, crude prices have surged significantly amid geopolitical tensions, with Brent crude increasing nearly 40 percent from $77.74 on March 2 to $108.65 on March 19.