Palm Oil Heads for Biggest Weekly Jump Since August

2026-03-06 05:01 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

Malaysian palm oil futures climbed around 1.5% to above MYR 4,250 per tonne on Friday, extending gains from the prior session and nearing a five-week high, supported by a weaker ringgit and strength in edible oils on the Dalian exchange.

Contracts are on track for a weekly gain of about 5.5%, the strongest since mid-August, as crude oil prices surged amid the Middle East conflict, disrupting energy flows.

Demand prospects also improved after palm oil imports in top consumer India climbed 10.1% mom in February to a six-month peak, aided by wider discounts to rival oils.

Meanwhile, Reuters projected Malaysia’s stocks fell for a second month to a four-month low, with seasonal output declines outweighing weaker exports.

Still, weaker exports capped momentum, with cargo surveyors noting February shipments down 21.5%–22.5% from January despite Eid al-Fitr buying.

Caution also grew ahead of key data next week in China, the main buyer, including CPI and PPI figures, as well as trade readings



News Stream
Palm Oil Bounces Back Despite Rising Stockpile Concerns.
Malaysian palm oil futures traded above MYR 4,550 per tonne, rebounding from recent losses as a weaker ringgit improved export competitiveness and firmer Chicago soyoil lifted sentiment across the vegetable oil complex. A jump in crude oil prices, driven by fading hopes for a near-term resolution to Middle East tensions, added support through biofuel demand. In top producer Indonesia, authorities issued a technical regulation tightening oversight of key commodity exports, including palm oil, a move that could redirect some demand toward Malaysia. However, gains were capped by weaker rival oils on China’s Dalian exchange and bets of ample supply. Reuters forecast Malaysia’s inventories likely rose again in May, as sluggish exports outweighed lower output. Cargo surveyors estimated shipments fell 8.8%–15.5% from April, underscoring soft demand. Purchases by top buyer India recovered modestly from April’s four-month low but remained below typical levels, limiting the upside.
2026-06-08
Palm Oil Retreats Further Yet Poised for Third Weekly Rise
Malaysian palm oil futures slipped for a second session, hovering below MYR 4,600 per tonne as weaker rival oils on China’s Dalian Exchange weighed on sentiment. Expectations of rising inventories added pressure, with Reuters projecting May stockpiles climbed for a second month. Cargo surveyors estimated exports fell 8.8%–15.5% from April, underscoring subdued demand. Purchases by India, the world's largest palm oil importer, recovered slightly from April's four-month low but remained below normal levels. Still, futures were on track for a third weekly gain, up 0.7% so far, supported by a weaker ringgit that boosts export competitiveness. Crude oil also headed for solid weekly gains as Washington–Tehran talks stalled, enhancing palm oil’s appeal as biodiesel feedstock. Longer-term support stems from dry weather across Asia and forecasts of a severe El Niño, raising concerns over crop output and edible oil supplies.
2026-06-05
Palm Oil Pulls Back on Profit-Taking, Weak May Exports
Malaysian palm oil futures traded below MYR 4,650 per tonne, retreating from a recent rally as investors locked in profits after prices reached a two-week high. Sentiment was also pressured by weakness in competing edible oils on the Dalian and Chicago exchanges, while lower crude oil prices reduced support for the vegetable oil complex. Fundamentals remained bearish as a Reuters survey projected Malaysia's palm oil inventories to rise for a second straight month in May, with sluggish exports offsetting lower output. Cargo surveyors reported shipments fell 8.8%–15.5% in May from April, underscoring weak overseas demand. Meanwhile, palm oil purchases by India, the world's largest buyer, increased slightly from April's four-month low but remained below normal levels. Moreover, uncertainty over Indonesia’s export policies and stronger competition from alternative oils added pressure. Still, a softer ringgit helped cushion losses by improving the appeal of Malaysian exports.
2026-06-04