As on April 30, the country`s forex reserves augmented marginally by $157 million to stand at $279,633 million mainly because of increase in gold reserves.

According to the weekly statistical supplement of the central bank released on May 7, gold reserves climbed by $551 to $18,537 million.

During the same period, foreign currency assets dropped by $354 million to $254,773 million.

The reserve position in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also came down by $ 34 million to $1,341 million.

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) reduced by $6 million to $ 4,982 million.

Foreign currency assets expressed in US dollar comprise the consequence of admiration or reduction on non-US currencies like Euro, Sterling and Yen held in reserves. (With Inputs from Agencies)