The Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) has launched its Nickel futures contract, effective August 18, 2025. The contract aims to enhance price discovery, broaden participation across the value chain, and provide a robust hedging tool for nickel-consuming industries.

As India is heavily dependent on nickel imports, industries face risks from price volatility and supply disruptions. The INR-denominated contract helps participants hedge both commodity price and currency risks. It also opens opportunities for financial participants and investors as an asset class for portfolio diversification.

Contract details: trading unit of 250 kgs and delivery unit of 1,500 kgs (effective from September 2025 contracts); last trading day is the third Wednesday of the expiry month; Thane designated as the delivery centre; only LME-approved Primary Nickel cathodes with minimum 99.80% purity are accepted. Tick size is ₹0.10/kg, daily price limits set at 4%, and margins at a minimum of 10% or SPAN, whichever is higher.