Malaysian palm oil futures rose modestly, hovering near MYR 4,600 after a recent pullback and on track for their first weekly gain in three. Support came from a weaker ringgit and firmer crude oil prices amid renewed Middle East tensions, boosting biodiesel-linked demand. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council expects prices to stay above MYR 4,500 in the near term, helped by elevated energy costs and potential El Niño risks.
Expectations of stronger demand from top buyer India also grew after March shipments fell 19% mom. Simultaneously, Malaysia is moving toward a higher biodiesel blend, targeting B15 from the current B10, a move that could absorb up to 1-1/2 million tonnes annually and tighten supply in line with regional efforts to curb fuel imports. Gains, however, were capped by weak exports, with cargo surveyors noting April 1–20 shipments down about 25.6%–25.8% from March; while softer imports of key commodities in China, notably soybeans, may further weigh on the edible oils outlook.
