Pakistani rupee (PKR) gained 60 paisas after closing in the inter-bank market on May 31, as a return of clarity on the economic front and a reduction in domestic political turmoil boosted it for the third consecutive day.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the local currency closed at Rs198.46 after gaining 60 paisas (0.30 per cent) in the day. The local currency concluded at Rs199.06 on Monday, up 70 paisas, or 0.35 per cent, from its previous closing.

On the other hand, oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, rose on Tuesday as the EU decided to cut Russian oil imports, fueling fears of a tighter market already stressed for supply ahead of the peak summer driving season in the US and Europe.

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The appreciation arrived as European Union leaders decided to slash 90 per cent of Russian oil imports by the end of this year, breaking a deadlock with Hungary over the bloc’s heaviest sanctions against Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine.

The rise in oil prices is another bad news for Pakistan, which has seen its import bill increase, putting strain on external payments while increasing market demand for dollars.