Traders said sentiment in nickel turned bearish as it declined in global markets, after some investors deemed supply of the refined metal sufficient for now, even after Indonesia banned raw ore exports in January.
Meanwhile, nickel for delivery in three months dropped by 0.5 per cent to USD 19,242 a metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange.
In the national capital, nickel eased by Rs 3 to Rs 1,088-1,094 per kg.
Following are today's metal rates (in Rs per kg):
Zinc ingot 111-117, Nickel plate (4x4) 1,088-1,094, Gun metal scrap 227, Bell metal scrap 229, Copper mixed scrap 442, Chadri deshi 285.