)
The rupee fell by 10 paise to 54.26 per dollar in late morning trade today following demand for the US currency from importers despite its weakness overseas.
The rupee resumed marginally higher at 54.14 per dollar as against the last closing level of 54.16 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market on selling of dollars by exporters in view of persistent capital inflows.
However, it fell to maintain the lead and was quoted lower to 54.26 per dollar at 1040 hrs on sudden demand for the US currency from importers amid firming crude oil prices.
It moved in a range of 54.28 and 54.14 per dollar during the morning deals.
At the international market, US dollar weakened against the Australian dollar in early trade following stronger-than-anticipated monthly jobs report fuelling speculation about the next move for Australia's key interest rate.
Meanwhile, the crude oil was trading higher in Asian trade.
The Indian benchmark BSE-30 share index, Sensex, eased by 13.81 points, or 0.07%, quoting 19,976.37 at 1040 hours.
