Stock markets fall in early trade amid soaring crude oil prices

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Friday as soaring crude oil prices collided with escalating tensions in West Asia.

The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 628.24 points to 74,257.69, while the 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 221.20 points to 23,255.10.

Global benchmark Brent crude traded 0.95% higher at $108.7 per barrel, threatening India's inflation, rupee, current account, and corporate margins.