However, other metals in range-bound movements on scattered enquiries, settled around previous levels.
Traders said buying activity in nickel picked up after it rebounded from the biggest monthly drop since November in global markets as stronger than expected manufacturing data in China, the largest metals consumer, signalled improving demand.
Meanwhile, nickel for delivery in three months climbed one per cent to USD 18,688 a metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange.
In the national capital, nickel (4x4) traded higher by Rs 4 to Rs 1,090-1,096 per kg.
Zinc ingot 113-119, Nickel plate (4x4) 1,090-1,096, Gun metal scrap 227, Bell metal scrap 229, Copper mixed scrap 432, Chadri deshi 285.
Lead ingot 113, Lead imported 111, Aluminium ingots 159, Aluminium sheet cutting 160, Aluminium wire scrap 162 and Aluminium utensils scrap 159.