The equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty are likely to open higher on Friday after three consecutive sessions of losses, although gains may be limited by a surge in oil prices amid escalating tensions in West Asia. GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 22,846 at 8:30 am IST, indicating a positive start for the benchmark Nifty, which closed at 22,687.65 on Thursday. Both the Nifty and Sensex have declined around 2 percent so far this week as Brent crude oil futures rose to USD 113.5 per barrel amid concerns over further energy supply disruptions following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, a leading oil exporter.