Edible oil: Prices heating up again

The palm oil market is seeing significant shifts. For Pakistan, the focus remains on import costs and domestic consumption. Recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows a sharp rise in palm oil import prices. Unit prices climbed to nearly $1,000 per ton in November 2024 from below $900 earlier in the year. Despite higher costs, imported quantities remain close to historical levels. Smuggling-related disruptions seem minimal. Retail cooking oil prices in Pakistan also appear to have bottomed out, at least for now.

Globally, Malaysia’s palm oil stockpiles fell for the second consecutive month in November. Stocks declined by 2.6 percent to 1.84 million metric tons. Crude palm oil production dropped 9.8 percent to 1.62 million tons, the lowest November level since 2020. Adverse weather disrupted harvesting and transport. Exports fell 14.7 percent to 1.49 million tons due to weak demand and global uncertainties.

Benchmark futures have surged to their highest levels in about 2.5 years. Tightening supply and production shortfalls in key exporting nations are driving prices higher. For Pakistan, decisions by Indonesian and Malaysian authorities on export quotas and restrictions will be critical. These will shape price trends for the first quarter of 2025. Indonesia’s recent increase in export levies to ensure domestic supply has added to global price volatility. Still, Pakistan’s market remains relatively stable.

The horrors of three years ago, when supply chains were severely disrupted, seem distant. All appears under control as long as the currency continues to behave as it has over the past year. Policymakers in importing nations like Pakistan must stay vigilant. Climate risks and global price fluctuations remain key concerns. December’s figures and export policy decisions from key producers will likely determine the market’s direction in the months ahead.

Tags: Indonesia, stockpiles, prices, consumption, Pakistan, demand, Crude palm oil, Production, Malaysia, palm oil, imports, futures, cooking oil, Market