New Delhi - India's benchmark Sensex index plunged to a 14-month low Friday, losing 4.3 per cent on concerns over record oil prices and inflation. The 30-share sensitive index slumped 620 points to 13,802.22, a level last seen on May 10 last year.
All indices were in the red while automotive, banking, pharmaceutical and real-estate stocks were the worst hit.
The broader S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also lost 179.2 points, or 4.15 per cent, to close at 4,136.65.
Market analysts said there was intense pressure to sell because of crude oil prices hitting a new high of 140 dollars per barrel.
Worries about rising inflation also impactedmarket sentiment.
According to data released by India's Commerce Ministry Friday, India's annual rate of inflation shot up to a 14-year high of 11.42 per cent for the week that ended June 14.
The inflation rate, linked to India's wholesale price index, has been steadily rising over the past few weeks. It rose from 11.05 per cent from the week before.
