Malaysian palm oil futures jumped about 1.5% to above MYR 4,800 per tonne, rebounding from earlier losses. Strength in Chicago soyoil and firmer crude oil prices, which improved biodiesel margins, underpinned the rally. Energy markets were supported after U.S. President Donald Trump, in a national address, pledged continued pressure on Iran’s energy sector without a clear timeline for resolution. On the demand side, cargo surveyors estimated that March palm oil exports surged between 44% and 57% from February, providing near-term support. However, gains were capped by a stronger ringgit and softer demand from top buyer India, with imports expected to ease to around 680,000 tonnes in March from 847,689 tonnes a month earlier. In Indonesia, the world’s largest producer, an industry association noted that biodiesel feedstock demand may reach 15 million tonnes this year, up 2 million tonnes, driven by the B50 rollout scheduled for July.
