Sensex fell 70 points during the early trade on Friday after the global prices surged over 3 per cent over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Oil prices topped $68 a barrel after a US airstrike ordered by President Donald Trump killed a top Iranian general in Iraq, giving way to fears of conflict between two of the world's largest oil producing nations.

At 10.17 a.m., the Sensex was down 69.87 points at 41,556.77. It opened at 41,634.51 from its previous close of 41,626.64.

The Nifty slipped 27.10 points lower at 12,255.10.IANS