New Delhi, July 24 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open lower on Friday, tracking weakness in global markets, as a surge in crude oil prices stoked inflation fears and dampened sentiment.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a gap-down start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 23,681 level, a discount of nearly 192 points from the Nifty futures' previous close.

On Thursday, the Indian stock market ended lower for the fourth consecutive session, with the benchmark Nifty 50 slipping below 23,900 level.

The Sensex dropped 363.66 points, or 0.47%, to close at 76,391.39, while the Nifty 50 settled 126.65 points, or 0.53%, lower at 23,869.60.

Here's what to exp...