We link observational parameters such as the deceleration parameter, the jerk, the kerk (snap) and higher-order derivatives of the scale factor, called statefinders, to the conditions which allow to develop sudden future singularities of pressure with finite energy density. In this context, and within the framework of Friedmann cosmology, we also propose higher-order energy conditions which relate time derivatives of the energy density and pressure which may be useful in general relativity.

LATEX, 11 pages, no figures, version to appear in Phys. Lett. B