Recently Euro has been under pressure by persistent concerns over Greece's ballooning fiscal deficit. It was trading near the lowest level since December against the yen.
Crude oil for February delivery gained as much as 68 cents, or 0.9%, to $78.68 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $78.38. The contract dropped 5.7% last week, the first weekly decline in five, after U.S. fuel supplies rose. Yesterday's trades will be combined with todays because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in the U.S.
Crude also gained on forecast China's imports may rise 15% this year as the country starts building the second phase of its strategic reserves, China Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals said.
MCX new benchmark February oil contract was trading lower due to appreciation in the Rupee. The counter was last seen quoting at Rs 3601 down Rs 5 per barrel. If it stays above Rs 3595 then may rally towards 3645 levels. The Indian rupee strengthened by seven paise to 45.57 a dollar on back of firm start in the BSE. The domestic unit had ended 14 paise higher at 45.64/65 yesterday.