The rupee depreciated 4 paise to 79.96 against the United States dollar in opening trade on Wednesday amid demand for dollar from oil importers and firm crude oil prices.
Forex traders said significant dollar demand from oil importers, firm crude oil prices as well as concerns about swelling trade deficit weighed on investor sentiments.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 79.91 against the U.S. dollar, then fell to quote at 79.96, registering a decline of 4 paise over the last close.