Sensex nearing new high; ONGC gains 3%

The Sensex has extended gains and is getting close to record levels. The index is now up 247 points at 20,177.

ONGC has soared 3.3% to Rs 1,234. HDFC has rallied nearly 3% to Rs 2,955.

Bharti Airtel and Grasim have surged 2.5% each to Rs 994 and Rs 3,703, respectively.

Reliance has advanced 2% to Rs 2,881. Maruti and BHEL have added 1.8% each to Rs 1,065 and Rs 2,724, respectively.

Cipla and HDFC Bank have moved up 1.4% each to Rs 196 and Rs 1,717, respectively.

Hindalco, ACC, Bajaj Auto and ICICI Bank have gained 1.3% each at Rs 196, Rs 1,077, Rs 2,748 and Rs 1,290, respectively.

Ambuja Cements, ITC and NTPC are up over 1% each at Rs 153, Rs 189 and Rs 245, respectively.

Infosys has slipped over 1% to Rs 1,727.