* London Brent crude down at $78.86 a barrel LCOc1
* Rupee flat at 45.82 per dollar INR=IN
* U.S. weekly jobless claims 1380 GMT [MI/DIARY]
MUMBAI, March 4 (Reuters) - India gold buying remained weak for a third session in a row on Thursday as traders awaited price dips, while an early strength in rupee, which made the dollar-quoted asset cheaper, helped sentiment, dealers said.
"There were a few stray deals, when rupee was strong, but in all it is very dull today," said a dealer with a state-run bullion dealing bank.
International gold XAU=, which guides the domestic markets, was $1,133.95/1,134.95 an ounce against the previous close of $1,139.35/1,140.15 an ounce.
"My order sheet is evenly spread-out, I have some below $1,130 (an ounce)," said another dealer with a private bank.
Gold slipped on Thursday as investors booked profits after the metal rallied to a 6-½ week high the previous day, but an increase in ETF holdings highlighted bullion's growing safe haven appeal. [GOL/]
The Indian rupee climbed to fresh six-week highs early in the session tracking strong regional peers, but losses in the sharemarket later in the session pulled down the local unit. [INR/]
Following were the prices being quoted by HDFC Bank in rupees in the spot market at 10:08 a.m. INBULL03:
