Malaysian palm oil futures rose about 1.5% to around MYR 4,050 per tonne on Friday, snapping three sessions of losses as bargain hunters stepped in after recent declines. Firmer edible oils in Dalian and Chicago markets added support, while exports gained momentum, with cargo surveyors noting January 1–15 shipments surged 17.5%–18.6% from the prior month. Demand from India, the largest consumer, is also expected to recover in January after hitting an eight-month low in December. Gains were capped, however, by elevated Malaysian inventories, which remain near multi-year highs despite seasonal demand ahead of the Lunar New Year and Ramadan. In Indonesia, authorities scrapped plans for a mandatory B50 biodiesel blend this year, citing technical and funding hurdles, keeping the B40 mandate in place. The top producer also said it will raise its crude palm oil export levy to 12.5% from 10% starting March 1. Contracts are on track for a second weekly rise, albeit a modest one of around 0.3%.
