The rupee eased by 3 paise to 50 rupees 26 paise against the dollar in early trade today. Traders said apart from increased demand for the dollar from importers, dollar gains against other Asian currencies overseas mainly weighed on the rupee sentiment. The rupee had ended lower by 5 paise at 50 rupees 24 paise against the American currency yesterday on fresh dollar demand for the dollar from importers.