Malaysian palm oil futures hovered above MYR 4,200 per tonne on Thursday, swinging from the prior session’s modest dip to notch a one-month peak. Firmer soyoil prices on the Chicago market boosted sentiment, along with strength in energy markets as prolonged Middle East tensions raised fears that crude prices could stay elevated. Demand prospects also strengthened after palm oil imports in top buyer India rose 10.1% mom in February to a six-month top, aided by wider discounts to rival edible oils. Meantime, Reuters projected Malaysia’s stocks fell for a second month to a four-month low in February, with seasonal output declines outweighing weaker exports. Still, gains were capped by cargo surveyors noting February shipments down 21.5%–22.5% from January despite Eid al-Fitr buying. In China, a key consumer, the 2026 GDP growth target was set at a milder 4.5%–5%, the first downgrade since 2023, stoking concerns that slower momentum could weigh on vegetable oil demand, including palm oil.
