Rupee falls to yet another all-time low against US dollar

Pakistan's rupee fell to yet another record low against the US dollar after depreciating 0.08% in the inter-bank on Tuesday.

As per the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee closed at 182.34, its weakest level in history, after a day-on-day depreciation of 15 paisas.

The rupee has lost nearly 16.5% since its most-recent high achieved in May last year. On a fiscal year to date (FYTD) basis, the local currency has depreciated by over 13.5%.

Falling foreign exchange reserves and concerns pertaining to a high import bill in wake of rising commodity prices especially oil have taken a toll on market sentiment.

Oil prices, a key factor of currency parity, dropped on Tuesday, extending losses from the previous day as Ukraine and Russia headed for peace talks and on fears of a drop in fuel demand in China after the financial hub of Shanghai shut down to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Brent crude futures were trading down $1.18, or 1.1%, at $111.30 a barrel, having dipped as low as $109.97. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures hit a low of $103.46 in early trade and were down $1.09, or 1.0%, at $104.87.

Another record low: Pakistan's rupee crosses 182 level in inter-bank market

The fall in rupee comes as the federal government has also expressed apprehensions over the impact of both domestic and external factors on the economy of Pakistan.

The Ministry of Finance, in its monthly 'Economic Update and Outlook' released on Monday, said “recent geopolitical tensions, in particular, the Ukraine crisis, present the most important external risk factor".

“Likewise, domestic political conditions are building domestic risks. A further escalation of these risks could jeopardise the positive outlook for Pakistan’s economy and may also aggravate the macroeconomic imbalances,” said the Ministry of Finance.

The ministry was optimistic that exports in March would continue their upward trend.

Meanwhile, Asad Rizvi, Ex-Country Head at Chase Manhattan, said that the current economic growth is not enough to counter the negative impact of deteriorating political conditions and declining foreign exchange reserves.

“PKR continues to hit all-time new lows on a regular basis due to worsening of the political condition and depleting of foreign exchange reserves. Economic growth is not sufficient to plug the weakness and fill the gap,” he said.

Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Tuesday

BID Rs 182.25

OFFER Rs 182.35

Open-market movement

In the open market, the PKR lost 20 paisas for both buying and selling against USD, closing at 182.50 and 183.50, respectively.

Against Euro, the PKR lost 10 paisas for buying and 5 paisas for selling, closing at 197.60 and 199.50, respectively.

Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 11 paisas for buying and 15 paisas for selling, closing at 49.70 and 50.15, respectively.

Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 5 paisas for both buying and selling, closing at 48.35 and 48.80, respectively.

Open-market rates for dollar on Tuesday

BID Rs 182.50

OFFER Rs 183.50