Nickel futures traded notably higher by over 1 per cent to Rs 1,190.90 per kg as speculators enlarged their positions amid a firming trend at the London Metal Exchange (LME).
Better trend at the spot markets on the back of pick-up in demand from alloy-makers also, supported the upside in nickel futures prices here.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, nickel for delivery in June traded Rs 13.50, or 1.15%, higher at Rs 1,190.90 per kg, with a business turnover of one lot.
The metal for delivery in April fell by Rs 8.90, or 0.76%, to Rs 1,173.80 per kg, with a business volume of two lots.
Meanwhile, at the LME, nickel gained 0.5% to $26,300 a tonne in early trade today.
Market analysts said a firming trend in copper and other base metals at the LME along with firming domestic markets trend on better demand, influenced nickel futures prices here.