Malaysian palm oil futures increased for a second session, rising above MYR 4,500 per tonne, supported by a weaker ringgit and firmer edible oil prices on the Dalian and Chicago markets. Sentiment was also underpinned by expectations of a rebound in Indian demand after shipments to the world’s largest buyer fell 19% mom in March. In addition, Malaysia is moving in step with top producer Indonesia to expand its blending mandate, with the industry regulator projecting palm-based biodiesel consumption to increase by more than 300,000 tonnes annually. However, the upside was capped by softer crude oil prices, which tend to weigh on biofuel-linked demand. Export data also pointed to weakness, with cargo surveyors noting shipments of Malaysian palm oil products for April 1–20 fell between 25.6% and 25.8% from the prior month. In China, another major consumer, imports of key agricultural commodities, including soybeans, are also expected to decline this year, adding to demand-side caution.
