Pak rupee drops to new low against US dollar

The Pakistani rupee continued its downward trajectory, as it settled on another record low against the US dollar after depreciating 0.01% in the inter-bank market on Wednesday.

As per the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee closed at 178.63 after a day-on-day depreciation of two paisas or 0.01%. This is the lowest closing level of the rupee in the inter-bank, after it closed at 178.61 against the USD on Tuesday.

Oil prices, which are a major determinant to the currency parity, rose on Wednesday as a US ban on Russian oil imports and Britain’s plan to phase them out by year-end raised concerns of tighter global supply.

Pakistan rupee falls to historic low against US dollar

Brent crude futures were up $2.17, or 1.7%, at $130.15 a barrel, after jumping 3.9% the previous day. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up $1.57, or 1.3%, at $125.27 a barrel, after surging 3.6% on Tuesday.

Oil prices have surged since Russia, the world’s second-largest crude exporter, launched what it called a “special operation” in Ukraine last month.

“The rupee has hit its all-time low and will remain under pressure, owing to Ukraine-Russia issues, which have led to an oil price hike and a spike in other commodities in the international market,” Malik Bostan, Chairman Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, told Business Recorder.

“Currencies all over the world are under pressure, which is being reflected locally as well,” he said, while expressing hope that reported talks of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would be succesful.

He said that oil prices have jumped 30% in a span of days, which will add to the country’s import bill. “Pakistan oil imports stand at $2 billion, which will rise to $2.5-2.6 billion amid a hike of $600 million,” said Bostan.

“The situation remains critical on both domestic and international fronts,” he said.

Bostan added that political noise on the domestic end is also irking sentiments among investors, referring to the opposition filing a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Wednesday

BID Rs 178.65

OFFER Rs 178.75

Open-market movement

In the open market, the PKR gained 10 paisas for both buying and selling against USD, closing at 178.70 and 179.70, respectively.

Against Euro, the PKR lost 50 paisas for both buying and selling, closing at 194.10 and 196, respectively.

Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 20 paisas for both buying and selling, closing at 48.57 and 49.05, respectively.

Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 10 paisas for both buying and selling, closing at 47.10 and 47.55, respectively.

Open-market rates for dollar on Wednesday

BID Rs 178.70

OFFER Rs 179.70