Aluminium prices on Friday softened by 0.83 per cent to Rs 174 per kg in futures trade, as speculators cut bets amid subdued demand in spot market.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, aluminium contracts for March delivery eased by Rs 1.45, or 0.83 per cent, to Rs 174 per kg in a business turnover of 1,229 lots.

Analysts said offloading of positions by participants owing to slackened demand from consuming industries in the physical market weighed on aluminium prices in futures trade.