The rupee resumed lower at 51.51/52 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market as against the last closing level of 51.47/48 and dropped further to 51.70 before quoting at 51.52/53 per dollar at 1030hrs.
The domestic currency moved from 51.45-51-70 against the dollar during the morning deals.
Forex dealers said that strong demand for the American currency from importers, some banks and oil refiners amid weakness in Indian stock markets impacted the rupee value.
The BSE 30-scrip index Sensex fell 134.13 points or 0.78 per cent in the early trade.
In New York, the dollar was lower against major rivals yesterday.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices moved up in Asia early today.
Brent North Sea crude for May gained 24 cents to USD 120.12 in morning trade, according to reports.