Mumbai, Sep 8 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Monday was trading 172.22 points or 0.64 percent up as oil and gas stocks surged.

Good buying was seen in oil and gas, capital goods, healthcare and banking stocks, while marginal selling pressure was seen in realty sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 27,145.12 points, was trading at 27,198.92 points (at 09.25 a.m.) in the early session, up 172.22 points or 0.64 percent from the previous day's close at 27,026.70 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 27,211.95 points and a low of 27,144.56 points in the trade so far.

The S&P BSE oil and gas index gained 122.03 points, capital goods index moved up by 117.64 points, healthcare index went up by 113.96 points and bankex inched up by 106.28 points. However, realty index slipped by 9.54 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also was trading 45.75 points or 0.57 percent up at 8,132.60 points.