Sensex surges 121 pts; RIL, ONGC among major gainers
business 03:20
Mumbai, Dec 28: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Friday closed 121 points higher on buying in energy stocks following reports of a gradual hike in fuel prices amid a firming global trend.
Led by energy major Reliance Industries and ONGC, the Sensex closed 121.04 points up, or 0.63 per cent, to 19,444.84.
The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty spurted by 38.25 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 5,908.35.
Brokers said energy majors like RIL, ONGC, Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum remained on the fore-front following reports that the government might gradually increase the diesel price next year to cut subsidies.
They said the uptrend was further supported on a firming global trend as US lawmakers arranged talks with political parties before a budget deadline.
In 30-BSE index kitty stocks, 22 closed with gains while eight surrendered moderate ground led by banking sector on profit-booking from recent upsurge.
The oil and gas sector index gained the most by 2.38 per cent.
The information technologies sector was second best performer by rising 1.21 per cent, while banking sector index declined 0.01 per cent as investor booked profits from the recent surge.