Higher CPO prices, low stockpiles only a brief reprieve for regional palm oil stocks
Uma Devi
THE mini rally in palm oil prices and current low stockpiles have given regional palm oil companies some respite in light of the broader volatility-ridden agri commodities sector, but observers are cautious on the outlook for crude palm oil (CPO).
It has been a good run for palm oil so far this year. Inclement weather in India – one of the top importers of palm oil – prompted higher imports of edible oils, while palm oil inventory in Malaysia for February dropped to just over 1.9 million tonnes from two million tonnes in January.
The lower stockpiles have in part caused CPO prices to track higher on futures markets in the region. Bursa Malaysia-listed CPO futures are up about 21 per cent this year as at market close on Mar 21 to RM4,352 (S$1,235.87) per tonne. At current levels, CPO prices are at a one-year high.
TRENDING NOW
Extra S$300 in CDC Vouchers, U-Save rebates for households as part of S$900 million support package
Singtel explores Nasdaq-SGX dual listing for data centre arm Nxera, local data centre Reit
Singapore banks’ battle for wealth talent goes beyond private bankers
Singapore rolls out S$900 million support package for businesses, households in light of Iran war