Rupee Hits Historic Low of 92/USD: Imports, Education, Travel Costlier; Exporters Gain

• The Indian rupee depreciated to a historic low of 92 against the US dollar on January 23, making imports, overseas education, and foreign travel more expensive.
• India, heavily reliant on foreign oil (85% of needs), will see higher costs for crude oil, electronic goods, and other imported items, potentially fueling inflation.
• Exporters, however, stand to benefit as they receive more rupees for every dollar earned, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products in global markets.
• Sectors with low import dependence, such as textiles, are expected to gain significantly, while high-import sectors like electronics may see limited benefits.
• The country's imports rose to USD 63.55 billion in December 2025, with crude oil imports increasing by 6% to USD 14.4 billion, contributing to a trade deficit of USD 25.04 billion.

Why It Matters: A record low rupee makes imports, foreign education, and travel costlier, while benefiting exporters.