Taking positive cues from overseas markets, nickel futures rose by 0.28% to Rs 988.80 per kg today.
Strong demand from alloy-makers in the domestic spot markets also pushed up nickel futures prices here.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, January nikcel edged up by Rs 2.80, or 0.28%, to Rs 988.80 per kg, with a business turnover of 599 lots.
The February delivery gained Rs 2.50, or 0.25%, to Rs 995.90 per kg, in 49 lots.
At the London Metal Exchange (LME), nickel climbed 0.3% to $19,557 per tonne in early trade today.
Analysts said fresh positions created by speculators in line with a firming trend at the LME on the back positive US economic data and IMF's plan to expand its lending resources to counter Europe's debt crisis, supported the upside in copper prices in futures trade here.
In addition, rising demand form alloy-makers at spot markets also influenced prices, they said.
