Snapping its two-session gaining streak, the rupee dived 16 paise to close at 69.50 against the US dollar on Thursday amid a sharp rise in crude oil prices.

 Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, soared 3.84 per cent to $ 62.27 per barrel after attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman triggered fears of supply disruptions.  The rupee opened at 69.33 per dollar and fell further to touch a low of 69.56 at the interbank foreign exchange market.  The local unit finally settled at 69.50, down by 16 paise over its previous close.

The rupee on Wednesday closed at 69.34 against the US dollar.

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