The rupee weakened by 17 paise to 85.90 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, weighed down by a stronger dollar and muted sentiment in domestic equity markets.

According to forex traders, the decline was partially offset by softening global crude oil prices, which had surged overnight but eased in early trading hours.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 85.84 against the dollar and later dipped to 85.90, marking a 17 paise fall from its previous close.