Select base metals strengthen on stockists' buying, Asian cues

Select base metal prices firmed up by Rs 2 per kg at the non-ferrous metals market today on fresh buying by stockists and higher Asian cues.

Traders said fresh buying by stockists following uptick in demand from consuming industries at domestic spot market and a firm trend at Asian markets as inventories in China hit their lowest in a decade.

Zinc inventories in warehouses monitored by the ShFE ZN-STX-SGH fell 11.8 per cent last week to 30,800 tonnes, their lowest since October 2007. Stocks in warehouses
Following are today's metal rates (in Rs per kg):
Lead ingot Rs 144, lead imported Rs 151, aluminium ingots Rs 168, aluminium sheet