Palm oil, extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees, widely used product within the food industry of the world. Its widespread use in packaged edible items has been occasioned by properties unique to the oil that enhance product quality and shelf life. It has a very long shelf life, which does not easily become rancid due to its oxidation resistance. As a result, the oil is ideal for use in snacks that must remain fresh for a long time, such as chips, biscuits, and baked goods. In India, palm oil is a standardised edible oil permitted for use in packaged foods under food safety regulations. A week ago, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards. He underscored that under Sub-regulation 2.2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, it is classified as a standardised edible fat. He further explained that palm oil is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, by FSSAI.<h3>Is palm oil healthy to consume?</h3>Palm oil is moderately healthy when eaten in small amounts; however, it is high in saturated fat, which can raise bad cholesterol. It is better than artificial trans fats, but worse for our heart than liquid plant oils like olive or canola oil. Harvard nutrition experts explained that palm oil is clearly better than high–trans fat shortenings, along with a probable better choice than butter. But it can't be a top priority to consume. Meanwhile, several health reports suggest that it is roughly 50 per cent saturated fat (specifically palmitic acid), which can clog arteries, promote inflammation, and raise heart disease risks when consumed heavily. It is widely used in cheap, ultra-processed Indian snacks, instant noodles, and fried fast foods, where excess calories, sugars, and trans fats compound overall metabolic health risks. Overall, spending on palm oil imports decreased by -5.6 per cent for all importing countries since 2021. Five years earlier, international purchases of palm oil cost $51.8 billion. The 5 biggest importers of palm oil are India, Pakistan, mainland China, the Netherlands and the United States of America. From a continental perspective, Asian countries imported the highest dollar value of palm oil during 2025, with purchases valued at $28.2 billion or almost three-fifths (57.8 per cent) of the global total. In second place were importers based in Europe at 17 per cent, while another 16.8 per cent of palm oil imported worldwide was delivered to buyers in Africa.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75%">IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75%</a><h3>Why is palm oil preferred most?</h3>Palm oil is widely used in packaged snacks because of its long shelf life, neutral taste, affordability and versatility. Its resistance to oxidation helps prevent rancidity, allowing products such as chips, biscuits and baked goods to stay fresh for longer. Since it has a mild, neutral flavour, it does not overpower the natural taste of snacks. Palm oil is also economical due to its high yield and relatively low production costs. Its semi-solid texture helps provide desirable qualities such as crispness, fluffiness and smooth fillings while maintaining consistency during storage. Its antioxidant properties can further slow spoilage and reduce the need for artificial preservatives. With a high smoke point, palm oil is well suited for deep-frying snacks. Its widespread availability, particularly from Indonesia and Malaysia, also supports large-scale production. Certified sustainable palm oil offers manufacturers an option to address growing environmental and ethical concerns.<h3>What do experts think about palm oil?</h3>Sumit Roy, Deputy General Manager, Solidaridad Asia, said, "Palm oil presents quite unique properties because of its natural composition: semi-solid at room temperature. It can be divided into lower-melting olein and higher-melting stearin. The stearin provides a hard nature and is used in biscuits, cream filling, or bakery items without relying on partial hydrogenation. Palm-derived fats also have strong oxidative stability, which helps fried or baked products retain texture during distribution and storage." "Greater oxidative stability reduces quality loss during storage, which is particularly important in India’s warm climate and long distribution chains. Refined palm olein has a high smoke point and can withstand repeated industrial frying better than many more polyunsaturated oils, which oxidise more readily," he added. Roy claimed that the health concern regarding palm oil is over hyped and lacks substance. He noted that India’s Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has already highlighted that palm oil, which is a fully standardised item permitted to use under national food safety regulations, meets strict safety standards based on comprehensive scientific evaluations.&nbsp;Alka Srivastava, Director, Swad &amp; Masala Food and Beverages Pvt Ltd., also said that palm oil is used in packaged foods on a large scale as it is affordable, stable, and helps products stay fresh for longer. However, Alka warned that excessive consumption can be a concern as it is high in saturated fat, which may raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.&nbsp;“It can also contribute to an unhealthy diet when consumed frequently through highly processed foods. In my opinion, instead of completely demonising palm oil, the focus should be on moderation, transparent labelling, and healthier alternatives. Consumers should be more aware of what goes into the packaged foods they consume every day,” Srivastava added.<h3>Higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk</h3>Sonali Saxena, Sr. Clinical Nutritionist &amp; Diabetes Educator, The Women’s Hospital, said, "Palm oil has become a common ingredient in packaged foods because of its affordability, stability and ability to improve texture and shelf life. Its scale of use in India is significant, with palm oil accounting for about &nbsp;59% of the country’s edible-oil imports, according to the Department of Food &amp; Public Distribution. Palm oil is relatively high in saturated fat, and diets consistently high in saturated fat can contribute to higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. For women, the larger conversation should be about building a sustainable pattern of eating around whole grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts and other nutrient-dense foods, while reducing dependence on highly processed foods. As per Sonali Saxena, Senior Clinical Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator from TWH hospital, "Learn to read nutritional labels and try to avoid food containing palm oil. You can prefer healthy snacks prepared at home, such as roasted makhana or prefer to eat whole fruits or prefer homemade kala chana chaat or sprouts salads for everyday eating."&nbsp;Dr Jatinder Singh Bhogal, Sr. Consultant - Gastroentrology&amp;Heptatology, Kailash Deepak Hospital, said, "Palm oil is widely used in packaged foods mainly because it is affordable, easily available, and has a long shelf life. It is also quite stable at high temperatures and gives foods the texture and consistency manufacturers are looking for. That is why it is commonly found in products such as biscuits, chips, baked foods and packaged snacks. From a health perspective, the main concern is its relatively high saturated fat content, particularly palmitic acid. Consuming too much saturated fat on a regular basis can increase LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, which over time may contribute to cardiovascular risk. However, it is important to look at the overall diet rather than palm oil in isolation." "The bigger concern is often frequent consumption of packaged and ultra-processed foods, which can also be high in calories, refined carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fats. So, it is less about avoiding palm oil completely and more about how much and how often we consume foods containing it. An occasional serving is very different from making such foods a regular part of the diet. Ideally, consumers should focus on a balanced diet and choose foods with healthier unsaturated fats wherever possible," Bhogal added. Dr Sachin Trivedi, Director Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba, also claimed, "Due to its low cost, high-temperature stability, long shelf life, and favourable texture properties, palm oil finds extensive application in the packaging of food products. However, its consumption can lead to an increased intake of saturated fats and thus affect heart health." Trivedi noted that there is currently no clear evidence establishing a direct link between palm oil consumption and cancer. He said the greater concern is the consumption of highly processed foods that may contain excessive levels of saturated fats, sugar, salt and calories. People undergoing cancer treatment or those who have completed treatment should therefore focus on maintaining a balanced diet rather than eliminating any particular ingredient. He advised consumers to check the nutrition labels of food products and assess their overall nutritional content. He recommended prioritising fresh or minimally processed foods, along with adequate portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich foods.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards.

Palm oil, extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees, widely used product within the food industry of the world. Its widespread use in packaged edible items has been occasioned by properties unique to the oil that enhance product quality and shelf life. It has a very long shelf life, which does not easily become rancid due to its oxidation resistance. As a result, the oil is ideal for use in snacks that must remain fresh for a long time, such as chips, biscuits, and baked goods. In India, palm oil is a standardised edible oil permitted for use in packaged foods under food safety regulations. A week ago, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards. He underscored that under Sub-regulation 2.2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, it is classified as a standardised edible fat. He further explained that palm oil is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, by FSSAI. Is palm oil healthy to consume? Palm oil is moderately healthy when eaten in small amounts; however, it is high in saturated fat, which can raise bad cholesterol. It is better than artificial trans fats, but worse for our heart than liquid plant oils like olive or canola oil. Harvard nutrition experts explained that palm oil is clearly better than high–trans fat shortenings, along with a probable better choice than butter. But it can't be a top priority to consume. Meanwhile, several health reports suggest that it is roughly 50 per cent saturated fat (specifically palmitic acid), which can clog arteries, promote inflammation, and raise heart disease risks when consumed heavily. It is widely used in cheap, ultra-processed Indian snacks, instant noodles, and fried fast foods, where excess calories, sugars, and trans fats compound overall metabolic health risks. Overall, spending on palm oil imports decreased by -5.6 per cent for all importing countries since 2021. Five years earlier, international purchases of palm oil cost $51.8 billion. The 5 biggest importers of palm oil are India, Pakistan, mainland China, the Netherlands and the United States of America. From a continental perspective, Asian countries imported the highest dollar value of palm oil during 2025, with purchases valued at $28.2 billion or almost three-fifths (57.8 per cent) of the global total. In second place were importers based in Europe at 17 per cent, while another 16.8 per cent of palm oil imported worldwide was delivered to buyers in Africa. Also read: IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75% Why is palm oil preferred most? Palm oil is widely used in packaged snacks because of its long shelf life, neutral taste, affordability and versatility. Its resistance to oxidation helps prevent rancidity, allowing products such as chips, biscuits and baked goods to stay fresh for longer. Since it has a mild, neutral flavour, it does not overpower the natural taste of snacks. Palm oil is also economical due to its high yield and relatively low production costs. Its semi-solid texture helps provide desirable qualities such as crispness, fluffiness and smooth fillings while maintaining consistency during storage. Its antioxidant properties can further slow spoilage and reduce the need for artificial preservatives. With a high smoke point, palm oil is well suited for deep-frying snacks. Its widespread availability, particularly from Indonesia and Malaysia, also supports large-scale production. Certified sustainable palm oil offers manufacturers an option to address growing environmental and ethical concerns. What do experts think about palm oil? Sumit Roy, Deputy General Manager, Solidaridad Asia, said, "Palm oil presents quite unique properties because of its natural composition: semi-solid at room temperature. It can be divided into lower-melting olein and higher-melting stearin. The stearin provides a hard nature and is used in biscuits, cream filling, or bakery items without relying on partial hydrogenation. Palm-derived fats also have strong oxidative stability, which helps fried or baked products retain texture during distribution and storage." "Greater oxidative stability reduces quality loss during storage, which is particularly important in India’s warm climate and long distribution chains. Refined palm olein has a high smoke point and can withstand repeated industrial frying better than many more polyunsaturated oils, which oxidise more readily," he added. Roy claimed that the health concern regarding palm oil is over hyped and lacks substance. He noted that India’s Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has already highlighted that palm oil, which is a fully standardised item permitted to use under national food safety regulations, meets strict safety standards based on comprehensive scientific evaluations. Alka Srivastava, Director, Swad & Masala Food and Beverages Pvt Ltd., also said that palm oil is used in packaged foods on a large scale as it is affordable, stable, and helps products stay fresh for longer. However, Alka warned that excessive consumption can be a concern as it is high in saturated fat, which may raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. “It can also contribute to an unhealthy diet when consumed frequently through highly processed foods. In my opinion, instead of completely demonising palm oil, the focus should be on moderation, transparent labelling, and healthier alternatives. Consumers should be more aware of what goes into the packaged foods they consume every day,” Srivastava added. Higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk Sonali Saxena, Sr. Clinical Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator, The Women’s Hospital, said, "Palm oil has become a common ingredient in packaged foods because of its affordability, stability and ability to improve texture and shelf life. Its scale of use in India is significant, with palm oil accounting for about 59% of the country’s edible-oil imports, according to the Department of Food & Public Distribution. Palm oil is relatively high in saturated fat, and diets consistently high in saturated fat can contribute to higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. For women, the larger conversation should be about building a sustainable pattern of eating around whole grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts and other nutrient-dense foods, while reducing dependence on highly processed foods. As per Sonali Saxena, Senior Clinical Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator from TWH hospital, "Learn to read nutritional labels and try to avoid food containing palm oil. You can prefer healthy snacks prepared at home, such as roasted makhana or prefer to eat whole fruits or prefer homemade kala chana chaat or sprouts salads for everyday eating." Dr Jatinder Singh Bhogal, Sr. Consultant - Gastroentrology&Heptatology, Kailash Deepak Hospital, said, "Palm oil is widely used in packaged foods mainly because it is affordable, easily available, and has a long shelf life. It is also quite stable at high temperatures and gives foods the texture and consistency manufacturers are looking for. That is why it is commonly found in products such as biscuits, chips, baked foods and packaged snacks. From a health perspective, the main concern is its relatively high saturated fat content, particularly palmitic acid. Consuming too much saturated fat on a regular basis can increase LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, which over time may contribute to cardiovascular risk. However, it is important to look at the overall diet rather than palm oil in isolation." "The bigger concern is often frequent consumption of packaged and ultra-processed foods, which can also be high in calories, refined carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fats. So, it is less about avoiding palm oil completely and more about how much and how often we consume foods containing it. An occasional serving is very different from making such foods a regular part of the diet. Ideally, consumers should focus on a balanced diet and choose foods with healthier unsaturated fats wherever possible," Bhogal added. Dr Sachin Trivedi, Director Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba, also claimed, "Due to its low cost, high-temperature stability, long shelf life, and favourable texture properties, palm oil finds extensive application in the packaging of food products. However, its consumption can lead to an increased intake of saturated fats and thus affect heart health." Trivedi noted that there is currently no clear evidence establishing a direct link between palm oil consumption and cancer. He said the greater concern is the consumption of highly processed foods that may contain excessive levels of saturated fats, sugar, salt and calories. People undergoing cancer treatment or those who have completed treatment should therefore focus on maintaining a balanced diet rather than eliminating any particular ingredient. He advised consumers to check the nutrition labels of food products and assess their overall nutritional content. He recommended prioritising fresh or minimally processed foods, along with adequate portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich foods.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards.

Why is palm oil used in so many packaged foods and is it safe to eat? Here’s what experts say

Malaysia is turning to an unexpected solution to cool its booming AI data centres: palm oil. With nearly 40% of Southeast Asia's planned data centre capacity set to land in Malaysia, the country's water supply is under serious strain, with cooling systems currently using millions of litres a day. Researchers at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board have developed "Sawit EcoTherm," a palm-based liquid that could replace water-intensive cooling entirely.


Malaysia's AI boom faces a water crunch

Can Palm oil save Malaysia's AI data centres from a water crisis?

Malaysia plans to introduce “orangutan diplomacy” for countries that buy its palm oil, including India, as it hopes to ease criticism of deforestation linked to its multibillion-dollar industry and as a part of a diplomatic strategy.&nbsp;

<h2>What is ‘orangutan diplomacy’?</h2>

Malaysia’s Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said that the country hopes to generate the same goodwill as China has with its “panda diplomacy” over the years by offering orangutans as gifts to its major trading partners.&nbsp;

The plan, which has already sparked criticism from conservation groups, comes after the European Union last year approved an import ban on commodities linked to deforestation, which could impact Malaysia.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

Notably, Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil which is used in everything from chocolate to lipstick. However, the multibillion-dollar industry has also been attributed as the cause of the shrinking of the natural rainforests where the large apes live.

Ghani said Malaysia would offer orangutans as gifts to trading partners, particularly major importers such as the EU, India and China, as part of a diplomatic strategy.

“This will prove to the global community that Malaysia is committed to biodiversity conservation,” said the minister, in a statement, on X.&nbsp;

He added, “Malaysia cannot take a defensive approach to the issue of palm oil. Instead we need to show the countries of the world that Malaysia is a sustainable palm oil producer and is committed to protecting forests and environmental sustainability.”

<h2>Criticism from conservationists</h2>

While there were no further details about the plan or its implementation, the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) told Reuters that orangutans – which means “man of the forest” in Malay – are critically endangered, with a population of less than 105,000 on the island of Borneo.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/natalie-elphicke-second-uk-lawmaker-defects-to-labour-in-fresh-to-conservatives-719387">UK lawmaker Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour in fresh setback to Conservatives</a>

The large apes only live on the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List had previously estimated that the population of orangutans in Borneo will decline to about 47,000 by next year as a result of human pressures and loss of habitat.&nbsp;

“WWF supports in-situ conservation of wildlife, and would urge that trading partners are brought to Malaysia to support this initiative, as opposed to sending orangutans out of the country,” said the group in a statement to Reuters.

Advocacy group Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, as per the news agency, said that the government should consider alternative diplomatic measures, as its plan for “orangutan diplomacy” would require research about the potential impact and feasibility against other conservation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Malaysia plans to introduce “orangutan diplomacy” for countries that buy its palm oil, including India, as it hopes to ease criticism of deforestation linked to its multibillion-dollar industry and as a part of a diplomatic strategy.

Malaysia plans to introduce “orangutan diplomacy” for countries that buy its palm oil, including India, as it hopes to ease criticism of deforestation linked to its multibillion-dollar industry and as a part of a diplomatic strategy. What is ‘orangutan diplomacy’? Malaysia’s Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said that the country hopes to generate the same goodwill as China has with its “panda diplomacy” over the years by offering orangutans as gifts to its major trading partners. The plan, which has already sparked criticism from conservation groups, comes after the European Union last year approved an import ban on commodities linked to deforestation, which could impact Malaysia. Also Read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Notably, Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil which is used in everything from chocolate to lipstick. However, the multibillion-dollar industry has also been attributed as the cause of the shrinking of the natural rainforests where the large apes live. Ghani said Malaysia would offer orangutans as gifts to trading partners, particularly major importers such as the EU, India and China, as part of a diplomatic strategy. “This will prove to the global community that Malaysia is committed to biodiversity conservation,” said the minister, in a statement, on X. He added, “Malaysia cannot take a defensive approach to the issue of palm oil. Instead we need to show the countries of the world that Malaysia is a sustainable palm oil producer and is committed to protecting forests and environmental sustainability.” Criticism from conservationists While there were no further details about the plan or its implementation, the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) told Reuters that orangutans – which means “man of the forest” in Malay – are critically endangered, with a population of less than 105,000 on the island of Borneo. Also Read | UK lawmaker Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour in fresh setback to Conservatives The large apes only live on the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List had previously estimated that the population of orangutans in Borneo will decline to about 47,000 by next year as a result of human pressures and loss of habitat. “WWF supports in-situ conservation of wildlife, and would urge that trading partners are brought to Malaysia to support this initiative, as opposed to sending orangutans out of the country,” said the group in a statement to Reuters. Advocacy group Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, as per the news agency, said that the government should consider alternative diplomatic measures, as its plan for “orangutan diplomacy” would require research about the potential impact and feasibility against other conservation efforts. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia plans to introduce ‘orangutan diplomacy’ for nations that import palm oil

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) announced on Thursday (May 25) that the El Niño&nbsp;weather pattern might reduce crude palm oil production by 1 to 3 million tonnes next year.

El Niño&nbsp;was unlikely to have an impact on production this year, according to MPOB Director-General Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>What could be the toll of an El Niño in 2023?</h2>

Climate experts now predict that an El Nino&nbsp;weather trend will prevail until the end of this year and the early months of 2024. And they're warning that it might be a powerful one.

If such is the case, the consequences might be substantial. Scientists have previously warned that with growing emissions and a strong El Nio, there is a 66 per cent&nbsp;probability that the globe will breach a critical 1.5°C global warming limit at least once between now and 2027, reported the BBC.&nbsp;However, it may also bring destructive extreme weather, including as heavy rain and floods, to towns in the United States and worldwide during winter.

"We're projecting an above 90 per cent&nbsp;probability that there will be El Niño conditions through the winter," says David DeWitt, director of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center.

"There's an 80 per cent&nbsp;probability that we're going to be in El Niño in July," he added.&nbsp;

The impacts of this might last for a long time; according to a recent analysis by academics at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, an El Nio commencing in 2023 could cost the world economy up to $3.4 trillion (£2.7 trillion) over the next five years. And they claim that after two earlier extremely significant El Nio episodes in 1982-83 and 1997-98, the US GDP was 3 per cent&nbsp;lower half a decade later than it would have been otherwise. They projected that if a catastrophe of this size occurred now, it would cost the US economy $699 billion (£565 billion).

However, coastal tropical nations such as Peru and Indonesia had a 10 per cent&nbsp;reduction in GDP following the same El Nio episodes, according to the study. They estimate that if climate change increases the frequency and ferocity of El Nio episodes, global economic losses would total $84 trillion (£68 trillion) this century.

"El Niño is not simply a shock from which an economy immediately recovers. Our study shows that economic productivity in the wake of El Niño is depressed for a much longer time than simply the year after the event," said&nbsp;Justin Mankin, co-author of the study and assistant professor of geography at Dartmouth College, who spoke to the BBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) announced on Thursday (May 25) that the El Niño weather pattern might reduce crude palm oil production by 1 to 3 million tonnes next year.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) announced on Thursday (May 25) that the El Niño weather pattern might reduce crude palm oil production by 1 to 3 million tonnes next year. El Niño was unlikely to have an impact on production this year, according to MPOB Director-General Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, as reported by Reuters. What could be the toll of an El Niño in 2023? Climate experts now predict that an El Nino weather trend will prevail until the end of this year and the early months of 2024. And they're warning that it might be a powerful one. If such is the case, the consequences might be substantial. Scientists have previously warned that with growing emissions and a strong El Nio, there is a 66 per cent probability that the globe will breach a critical 1.5°C global warming limit at least once between now and 2027, reported the BBC. However, it may also bring destructive extreme weather, including as heavy rain and floods, to towns in the United States and worldwide during winter. "We're projecting an above 90 per cent probability that there will be El Niño conditions through the winter," says David DeWitt, director of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. "There's an 80 per cent probability that we're going to be in El Niño in July," he added. The impacts of this might last for a long time; according to a recent analysis by academics at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, an El Nio commencing in 2023 could cost the world economy up to $3.4 trillion (£2.7 trillion) over the next five years. And they claim that after two earlier extremely significant El Nio episodes in 1982-83 and 1997-98, the US GDP was 3 per cent lower half a decade later than it would have been otherwise. They projected that if a catastrophe of this size occurred now, it would cost the US economy $699 billion (£565 billion). However, coastal tropical nations such as Peru and Indonesia had a 10 per cent reduction in GDP following the same El Nio episodes, according to the study. They estimate that if climate change increases the frequency and ferocity of El Nio episodes, global economic losses would total $84 trillion (£68 trillion) this century. "El Niño is not simply a shock from which an economy immediately recovers. Our study shows that economic productivity in the wake of El Niño is depressed for a much longer time than simply the year after the event," said Justin Mankin, co-author of the study and assistant professor of geography at Dartmouth College, who spoke to the BBC. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Malaysia's palm oil production could fall by 1-3 mn tonnes in 2024 due to El Niño

A New York-based tech firm has created a much-needed lab-grown alternative to palm oil, that has for years been behind the deforestation of some of the world’s most diverse forests and the destruction of the habitat of multiple endangered species.

US Tech firm C16 Biosciences has come up with “Palmless”, an alternative to palm oil that is made from yeast cells. The product was recently released commercially to try and “reduce the world’s reliance on palm oil”, says Shara Ticku, CEO of the company.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: EU plans to ban products linked to deforestation

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The alternative makes use of a unique strain of yeast called metschnikowia pulcherrima, or MP. As per Chris Chuck, professor of bioprocess engineering at the University of Bath, who along with his team is behind the innovation, MP is not fussy and can be fed grass and food waste.

While traditional palm oil production takes around seven years, ‘palmless’ reportedly takes “less than seven days from start to finish”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-the-chocolaty-secret-to-chocolates-sweetness-552453">Scientists find the chocolaty secret to chocolate's sweetness</a>

Accounting for over 40 per cent of the world’s vegetable oil usage, Palm oil continues to dominate the market. The tasteless, colourless and odourless oil is equally popular with cosmetic makers and food companies. It owes its popularity to the fact that it doesn’t change the taste or look of the product but instead acts as a natural preservative.

What’s problematic about its usage is the widely documented and significant deforestation it leads to. The tree can grow in low-lying, hot, humid areas near the equator, 85 per cent of which is in Indonesia and Malaysia, areas home to endangered species like the Orangutan, pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhino.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-unilever-to-nestle-heres-how-much-palm-oil-companies-use-as-indonesia-imposes-a-ban-on-it-473809">From Unilever to Nestle: Here's how much palm oil companies use as Indonesia imposes a ban on it</a>

In 2020, 28.7 million hectares of land were in use for palm oil conservation, a nine-fold increase from 3.3 million hectares in 1970.

As per BBC, Ticku, the person behind C16 Biosciences, got the idea for Palmless back in 2013, when on a visit to Singapore she was forced to wear a mask due to the toxic air because of Indonesia’s burning rainforests.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A New York-based tech firm has created a much-needed lab-grown alternative to palm oil, that has for years been behind the deforestation of some of the world’s most diverse forests and the destruction of the habitat of multiple endangered species.

A New York-based tech firm has created a much-needed lab-grown alternative to palm oil, that has for years been behind the deforestation of some of the world’s most diverse forests and the destruction of the habitat of multiple endangered species. US Tech firm C16 Biosciences has come up with “Palmless”, an alternative to palm oil that is made from yeast cells. The product was recently released commercially to try and “reduce the world’s reliance on palm oil”, says Shara Ticku, CEO of the company. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: EU plans to ban products linked to deforestation The alternative makes use of a unique strain of yeast called metschnikowia pulcherrima, or MP. As per Chris Chuck, professor of bioprocess engineering at the University of Bath, who along with his team is behind the innovation, MP is not fussy and can be fed grass and food waste. While traditional palm oil production takes around seven years, ‘palmless’ reportedly takes “less than seven days from start to finish”. Also read | Scientists find the chocolaty secret to chocolate's sweetness Accounting for over 40 per cent of the world’s vegetable oil usage, Palm oil continues to dominate the market. The tasteless, colourless and odourless oil is equally popular with cosmetic makers and food companies. It owes its popularity to the fact that it doesn’t change the taste or look of the product but instead acts as a natural preservative. What’s problematic about its usage is the widely documented and significant deforestation it leads to. The tree can grow in low-lying, hot, humid areas near the equator, 85 per cent of which is in Indonesia and Malaysia, areas home to endangered species like the Orangutan, pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhino. Also read | From Unilever to Nestle: Here's how much palm oil companies use as Indonesia imposes a ban on it In 2020, 28.7 million hectares of land were in use for palm oil conservation, a nine-fold increase from 3.3 million hectares in 1970. As per BBC, Ticku, the person behind C16 Biosciences, got the idea for Palmless back in 2013, when on a visit to Singapore she was forced to wear a mask due to the toxic air because of Indonesia’s burning rainforests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Palmless': US company comes up with an alternative to palm oil

Pullarao Daravathu and thousands of other farmers in the southern Indian state of Telangana are hard at work growing oil palms as their region strives to add more land to the contentious crop in the next four years than the entire nation has in decades. Telangana plans to plant oil palm on 2 million more acres over the course of the next four years, and it will go to tremendous measures to accomplish this aim, including creating huge dams, irrigation canals, and importing millions of germinated sprouts. Farmers like Daravathu are being encouraged to switch to oil palms by generous government subsidies and enormous profit potential in comparison to other crops.

Fresh fruit bunches that farmers sell to oil mills have more than doubled in price as a result of the recent increase in palm oil prices. Oil palm plantations in India were only permitted on less than one million acres, largely in coastal Andhra Pradesh, the state from which Telangana was split off in 2014. This was due to price instability, water scarcity, and a gestation period of about four years. However, Telangana, which is located in an interior part of the Deccan Plateau, is now eager to become India's main palm oil hub, with an area target that would elevate the state from its current low base to the fifth-largest oil palm grower globally.

The initiative could lessen India's massive imports of vegetable oil, which cost the nation a record $18.9 billion in 2017 and increased the country's trade deficit. Two-thirds of India's vegetable oil needs are met by imports, which total around 14 million tonnes per year and include about 8.5 million tonnes of palm oil. The federal government is eager to boost palm oil production in an effort to reduce those expensive imports, which this year's high inflation was caused after key supplier Indonesia abruptly stopped supplies.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russian-oligarchs-and-putins-girlfriend-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war-503057">US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war</a>

In order to meet its needs, India imports less than 300,000 tonnes of palm oil that Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand now produce. According to Chava Venkateswara Rao of Godrej Agrovet Ltd, the nation's largest producer of palm oil, Telangana would achieve a great deal even if it could only cultivate oil palm on 1 million acres and generate 2 million tonnes of palm oil. Up until last year, the nation added about 35,000 acres planted in oil palm per year.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Pullarao Daravathu and thousands of other farmers in the southern Indian state of Telangana are hard at work growing oil palms as their region strives to add more land to the contentious crop in the next four years than the entire nation has in decades.

Pullarao Daravathu and thousands of other farmers in the southern Indian state of Telangana are hard at work growing oil palms as their region strives to add more land to the contentious crop in the next four years than the entire nation has in decades. Telangana plans to plant oil palm on 2 million more acres over the course of the next four years, and it will go to tremendous measures to accomplish this aim, including creating huge dams, irrigation canals, and importing millions of germinated sprouts. Farmers like Daravathu are being encouraged to switch to oil palms by generous government subsidies and enormous profit potential in comparison to other crops. Fresh fruit bunches that farmers sell to oil mills have more than doubled in price as a result of the recent increase in palm oil prices. Oil palm plantations in India were only permitted on less than one million acres, largely in coastal Andhra Pradesh, the state from which Telangana was split off in 2014. This was due to price instability, water scarcity, and a gestation period of about four years. However, Telangana, which is located in an interior part of the Deccan Plateau, is now eager to become India's main palm oil hub, with an area target that would elevate the state from its current low base to the fifth-largest oil palm grower globally. The initiative could lessen India's massive imports of vegetable oil, which cost the nation a record $18.9 billion in 2017 and increased the country's trade deficit. Two-thirds of India's vegetable oil needs are met by imports, which total around 14 million tonnes per year and include about 8.5 million tonnes of palm oil. The federal government is eager to boost palm oil production in an effort to reduce those expensive imports, which this year's high inflation was caused after key supplier Indonesia abruptly stopped supplies. Also Read: US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war In order to meet its needs, India imports less than 300,000 tonnes of palm oil that Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand now produce. According to Chava Venkateswara Rao of Godrej Agrovet Ltd, the nation's largest producer of palm oil, Telangana would achieve a great deal even if it could only cultivate oil palm on 1 million acres and generate 2 million tonnes of palm oil. Up until last year, the nation added about 35,000 acres planted in oil palm per year. (with inputs from agencies)

India relying heavily on oil palm to reduce $19 billion vegetable oil imports

India's palm oil exports in May were its highest in seven months and up 15 per cent&nbsp;on April as the country overcame curbs&nbsp;on Indonesian exports by sourcing more of the commodity from Malaysia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea, five industry officials said. 
 
Higher purchases by India, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oil, could support Malaysian palm oil prices, which are trading near a record high.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/edible-oil-prices-may-rise-further-in-india-due-to-indonesias-palm-oil-export-ban-473118">Also read |&nbsp;Edible oil prices may rise further in India due to Indonesia's palm oil export ban</a>

India imported 660,000 tonnes of palm oil in May, up from 572,508 tonnes in April, according to the average estimate from five dealers. 
 
Indian imports from Indonesia fell in May, but refiners managed to buy more from Malaysia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Economic fall out of Russia-Ukraine war: Indonesia bans palm oil exports

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Indonesia, the world's biggest producer and exporter of palm oil, on April 28 halted exports of the product to control soaring prices at home. Jakarta allowed exports to resume from May 23 but put in place policies to safeguard domestic supplies. 
 
The Solvent Extractors' Association of India, a trade body based in Mumbai, is likely to publish May's import figure in mid-June. 
 
India's soyoil imports in May rose to 352,614 tonnes from 315,853 tonnes in April, said a senior government official, who declined to be named.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-290000-tonne-shipments-get-trapped-indonesian-palm-oil-export-ban-to-hit-india-badly-474737">Also Read |&nbsp;As 290,000-tonne shipments get trapped, Indonesian palm oil export ban to hit India badly</a> 
 
The country's soyoil imports could rise sharply in coming months, because New Delhi has allowed duty free imports of 2 million tonnes of the commodity, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. 
 
Sunflower oil imports jumped to 123,970 tonnes in May from 67,788 tonnes a month earlier, the government official said. 
 
India buys soyoil mainly from Argentina and Brazil and sunflower oil from Ukraine and Russia. 
 
"As sunoil shipments from Ukraine have stopped, India is trying to import more from Russia," the dealer said.

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India's palm oil exports in May were its highest in seven months and up 15 per cent on April as the country overcame curbs on Indonesian exports by sourcing more of the commodity from Malaysia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea, five industry officials said.

India's palm oil exports in May were its highest in seven months and up 15 per cent on April as the country overcame curbs on Indonesian exports by sourcing more of the commodity from Malaysia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea, five industry officials said. Higher purchases by India, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oil, could support Malaysian palm oil prices, which are trading near a record high. Also read | Edible oil prices may rise further in India due to Indonesia's palm oil export ban India imported 660,000 tonnes of palm oil in May, up from 572,508 tonnes in April, according to the average estimate from five dealers. Indian imports from Indonesia fell in May, but refiners managed to buy more from Malaysia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy. Watch | Economic fall out of Russia-Ukraine war: Indonesia bans palm oil exports Indonesia, the world's biggest producer and exporter of palm oil, on April 28 halted exports of the product to control soaring prices at home. Jakarta allowed exports to resume from May 23 but put in place policies to safeguard domestic supplies. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India, a trade body based in Mumbai, is likely to publish May's import figure in mid-June. India's soyoil imports in May rose to 352,614 tonnes from 315,853 tonnes in April, said a senior government official, who declined to be named. Also Read | As 290,000-tonne shipments get trapped, Indonesian palm oil export ban to hit India badly The country's soyoil imports could rise sharply in coming months, because New Delhi has allowed duty free imports of 2 million tonnes of the commodity, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. Sunflower oil imports jumped to 123,970 tonnes in May from 67,788 tonnes a month earlier, the government official said. India buys soyoil mainly from Argentina and Brazil and sunflower oil from Ukraine and Russia. "As sunoil shipments from Ukraine have stopped, India is trying to import more from Russia," the dealer said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's May palm oil imports surge to 7-month high despite Indonesia's ban-dealers

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday announced that the ban on palm oil exports will be lifted from next week, giving major relief to the global markets where prices of edible oil have peaked on account of trade suspension, the Ukraine war and global warming.

"Based on the supply and the condition of cooking oil and considering there are 17 million people in the palm oil industry; farmers and other supporting workers, I decided that cooking oil export will reopen on Monday, May 23," Widodo, who is fondly called Jokowi, told an online briefing, according to Reuters.

The decision was taken after seeing improvements in the domestic cooking oil supply situation and also after persuasion from lawmakers to resume the trade citing near-full capacity of storage.

Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, had stopped the exports of crude palm oil (CPO) and some derivative products since April 28 in a bid to tame soaring prices of domestic cooking oil.

The decision had adversely impacted a number of importing nations, which witnessed an upsurge in cooking oil rates.

Indonesia has around 6 million tonnes of storage capacity, including at ports, and domestic stocks had reached around 5.8 million tonnes by early May, Reuters reported quoting Sahat Sinaga, executive director of the Indonesia Vegetable Oil Industry Association told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/edible-oil-prices-may-rise-further-in-india-due-to-indonesias-palm-oil-export-ban-473118">Edible oil prices may rise further in India due to Indonesia's palm oil export ban</a>

At the end of March, domestic stocks rose to 5.68 million tonnes, up from 5.05 million tonnes a month earlier, Indonesia Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) data showed on Thursday.

Indonesia typically only uses 35 per cent of its annual palm oil production at home, mostly for food and fuel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-unilever-to-nestle-heres-how-much-palm-oil-companies-use-as-indonesia-imposes-a-ban-on-it-473809">From Unilever to Nestle: Here's how much palm oil companies use as Indonesia imposes a ban on it</a>

Palm oil makes up more than a third of the world’s vegetable oil market, with Indonesia accounting for about 60 per cent of palm oil supply.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday announced that the ban on palm oil exports will be lifted from next week, giving major relief to the global markets where prices of edible oil have peaked on account of trade suspension, the Ukraine war and global warming.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday announced that the ban on palm oil exports will be lifted from next week, giving major relief to the global markets where prices of edible oil have peaked on account of trade suspension, the Ukraine war and global warming. "Based on the supply and the condition of cooking oil and considering there are 17 million people in the palm oil industry; farmers and other supporting workers, I decided that cooking oil export will reopen on Monday, May 23," Widodo, who is fondly called Jokowi, told an online briefing, according to Reuters. The decision was taken after seeing improvements in the domestic cooking oil supply situation and also after persuasion from lawmakers to resume the trade citing near-full capacity of storage. Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, had stopped the exports of crude palm oil (CPO) and some derivative products since April 28 in a bid to tame soaring prices of domestic cooking oil. The decision had adversely impacted a number of importing nations, which witnessed an upsurge in cooking oil rates. Indonesia has around 6 million tonnes of storage capacity, including at ports, and domestic stocks had reached around 5.8 million tonnes by early May, Reuters reported quoting Sahat Sinaga, executive director of the Indonesia Vegetable Oil Industry Association told Reuters. Also read | Edible oil prices may rise further in India due to Indonesia's palm oil export ban At the end of March, domestic stocks rose to 5.68 million tonnes, up from 5.05 million tonnes a month earlier, Indonesia Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) data showed on Thursday. Indonesia typically only uses 35 per cent of its annual palm oil production at home, mostly for food and fuel. Also read | From Unilever to Nestle: Here's how much palm oil companies use as Indonesia imposes a ban on it Palm oil makes up more than a third of the world’s vegetable oil market, with Indonesia accounting for about 60 per cent of palm oil supply. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indonesia announces to lift palm oil exports ban from Monday

Indonesia, the top palm oil exporter, has banned the export of edible oil. Ukraine, the top sunflower oil exporter, is at war. Our world is in the middle of a cooking oil crisis. Your kitchens will soon feel the burn. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Indonesia bans export of palm oil

The prices of other edible oils such as soyoil, sunflower oil and rapeseed oil are expected to rise on the account of Indonesia banning palm oil export and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, experts have said.

This comes at a time when the prices of agricultural commodities prices have already seen a jump after Ukraine, a leading grain and sunflower oil supplier to world markets, stopped exports due to the war, reports The Financial Times.

The move by Indonesia, the world’s biggest exporter of edible oil, is expected to put a further strain on the Asian and African economies, which have been reeling under high fuel and food prices.

The UN Food and Agricultural Organization’s vegetable oil price index has surged 40 per cent this year.

“Indonesia’s decision affects not only palm oil availability, but vegetable oils worldwide,” James Fry, chairman of commodities consultancy LMC International, told Reuters.

Palm oil is used in everything, from cakes and frying fats to cosmetics and cleaning products and accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global vegetable oil shipments.

Indonesia and Malaysia account for 56 per cent and 31 per cent of the global palm oil supply worldwide, respectively.

Apart from that, Palm oil is also used as biodiesel feedstock. Indonesia and Malaysia have made make it mandatory for biodiesel to be mixed with a certain amount of palm oil – 30 per cent and 20 per cent.

“This is happening when the export tonnages of all other major oils are under pressure: soya bean oil due to droughts in South America; rapeseed oil due to disastrous canola crops in Canada; and sunflower oil because of Russia’s war on Ukraine,” Fry was quoted as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/edible-oil-prices-may-rise-further-in-india-due-to-indonesias-palm-oil-export-ban-473118">Edible oil prices may rise further in India due to Indonesia's palm oil export ban</a>

President Widodo had announced to ban exports from April 28 until further notice, in a bid to tackle rising domestic prices.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-looks-to-revive-ailing-palm-oil-sector-417839">Nigeria looks to revive ailing palm oil sector</a>

"I will monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy so availability of cooking oil in the domestic market becomes abundant and affordable,” Widodo said on Friday.

Watch |&nbsp;Economic fall out of Russia-Ukraine war: Indonesia bans palm oil exports

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(With inputs from agencies)

The prices of other edible oils such as soyoil, sunflower oil and rapeseed oil are expected to rise on the account of Indonesia banning palm oil export and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, experts have said.

The prices of other edible oils such as soyoil, sunflower oil and rapeseed oil are expected to rise on the account of Indonesia banning palm oil export and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, experts have said. This comes at a time when the prices of agricultural commodities prices have already seen a jump after Ukraine, a leading grain and sunflower oil supplier to world markets, stopped exports due to the war, reports The Financial Times. The move by Indonesia, the world’s biggest exporter of edible oil, is expected to put a further strain on the Asian and African economies, which have been reeling under high fuel and food prices. The UN Food and Agricultural Organization’s vegetable oil price index has surged 40 per cent this year. “Indonesia’s decision affects not only palm oil availability, but vegetable oils worldwide,” James Fry, chairman of commodities consultancy LMC International, told Reuters. Palm oil is used in everything, from cakes and frying fats to cosmetics and cleaning products and accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global vegetable oil shipments. Indonesia and Malaysia account for 56 per cent and 31 per cent of the global palm oil supply worldwide, respectively. Apart from that, Palm oil is also used as biodiesel feedstock. Indonesia and Malaysia have made make it mandatory for biodiesel to be mixed with a certain amount of palm oil – 30 per cent and 20 per cent. “This is happening when the export tonnages of all other major oils are under pressure: soya bean oil due to droughts in South America; rapeseed oil due to disastrous canola crops in Canada; and sunflower oil because of Russia’s war on Ukraine,” Fry was quoted as saying. Also read | Edible oil prices may rise further in India due to Indonesia's palm oil export ban President Widodo had announced to ban exports from April 28 until further notice, in a bid to tackle rising domestic prices. Also read | Nigeria looks to revive ailing palm oil sector "I will monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy so availability of cooking oil in the domestic market becomes abundant and affordable,” Widodo said on Friday. Watch | Economic fall out of Russia-Ukraine war: Indonesia bans palm oil exports (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia’s decision to ban palm oil exports sparks global food inflation concerns: Report

From Unilever to Nestle: Here's how much palm oil companies use as Indonesia imposes a ban on it

In what is said to be an economic fall out of the Russia-Ukraine war, World's top oil producer Indonesia banned palm oil exports.

Economic fall out of Russia-Ukraine war: Indonesia bans palm oil exports

Reports say Indonesia is set to ban the export of palm oil amid domestic shortage which may add to soaring food inflation worldwide.

Indonesia accounts for over half of the global palm oil supply. President Joko Widodo said his government would evaluate the implementation of the ban on edible oil in order to ensure cooking oil is available in the domestic market.&nbsp;

Cooking oil prices have shot up over 40 per cent this year in the country amid protests over the recent spike in prices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-india-not-violating-any-sanctions-by-importing-russian-oil-470364">Also Read:&nbsp;US says India not violating any sanctions by importing Russian oil</a>

President Widodo said the country will suspend the export of cooking oil and raw material from April 28.

"I will monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy so availability of cooking oil in the domestic market becomes abundant and affordable," President Widodo told the nation.

Watch:&nbsp;Is the West trying to hide Russian oil imports?

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India is among the largest buyer of palm oil including China. Palm oil is widely used in various types of food products including in cosmetics, biscuits, detergents and chocolate.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has already led to a supply shortage of sunflower oil even as the regular supply of soy and rapeseed oil has been hit due to drought in Canada, Argentina and Brazil.

Malaysia which is the second-largest producer of palm oil has been hit by a labour shortage due to the pandemic and is unlikely&nbsp;to fill the gap soon, reports claim&nbsp;

India reportedly imports nearly 4 million tonnes of palm oil from Indonesia. The country is already facing a fall in sunflower oil supply&nbsp;due to&nbsp;the Russia-Ukraine war. Reports say the price of crude palm oil in Mumbai has climbed over 50 per cent as compared to last year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say Indonesia is set to ban the export of palm oil amid domestic shortage which may add to soaring food inflation worldwide. Indonesia accounts for over half of the global palm oil supply.

Reports say Indonesia is set to ban the export of palm oil amid domestic shortage which may add to soaring food inflation worldwide. Indonesia accounts for over half of the global palm oil supply. President Joko Widodo said his government would evaluate the implementation of the ban on edible oil in order to ensure cooking oil is available in the domestic market. Cooking oil prices have shot up over 40 per cent this year in the country amid protests over the recent spike in prices. Also Read: US says India not violating any sanctions by importing Russian oil President Widodo said the country will suspend the export of cooking oil and raw material from April 28. "I will monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy so availability of cooking oil in the domestic market becomes abundant and affordable," President Widodo told the nation. Watch: Is the West trying to hide Russian oil imports? India is among the largest buyer of palm oil including China. Palm oil is widely used in various types of food products including in cosmetics, biscuits, detergents and chocolate. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has already led to a supply shortage of sunflower oil even as the regular supply of soy and rapeseed oil has been hit due to drought in Canada, Argentina and Brazil. Malaysia which is the second-largest producer of palm oil has been hit by a labour shortage due to the pandemic and is unlikely to fill the gap soon, reports claim India reportedly imports nearly 4 million tonnes of palm oil from Indonesia. The country is already facing a fall in sunflower oil supply due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Reports say the price of crude palm oil in Mumbai has climbed over 50 per cent as compared to last year. (With inputs from Agencies)

Edible oil prices may rise further in India due to Indonesia's palm oil export ban

Once a top Palm oil producer of the world, Nigeria aims to revive the industry and create new jobs in the country.

Once a top producer, Nigeria aims to revive Palm oil industry & create new jobs

The Nigerian government has been trying to revive the country's ailing Palm oil industry but those working in the sector warn that the path to recovery will not be easy.

Nigerian government provides loans to farmers to revive Palm oil industry

India has resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after a four-month gap following a diplomatic row. The process was spurred by a fall in domestic inventories and discounted prices.

The renewed purchases come amid improving trade relations between the two countries, with Malaysia signing a deal last week to buy a record 1,00,000 tonnes of Indian rice.

This happened after the formation of a new government in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia's palm oil inventories jumped to more than 2 million tonnes in April, well above expectations, as production surged to a six-month high and coronavirus lockdown led to a slump in demand.

Leading Indian importers last week contracted up to 2,00,000 tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) from Malaysia to be shipped in June and July.

India's total palm oil imports for the first four months of 2020 fell by more than 50% from the same period in 2019 to 1.11 million tonnes.

India early this year restricted imports of Malaysian palm oil after then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised policies by New Delhi affecting the country's Muslim minority.

The renewed buying has hence been spurred by low stocks, while India's relations with Malaysia have been improving since a new government was formed in early March.

Malaysian palm oil is now available at a $15 discount to supplies from Indonesia which on Monday raised its palm oil export levy by $5 per tonne.

India buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil a year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its total edible oil imports, and took a record 4.4 million tonnes of Malaysian palm oil in 2019.

Indian purchases of palm oil from Malaysia could rise further if discounts remain.

(with inputs from Reuters)

India has resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after a four-month gap following a diplomatic row. The process was spurred by a fall in domestic inventories and discounted prices.

India has resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after a four-month gap following a diplomatic row. The process was spurred by a fall in domestic inventories and discounted prices. The renewed purchases come amid improving trade relations between the two countries, with Malaysia signing a deal last week to buy a record 1,00,000 tonnes of Indian rice. This happened after the formation of a new government in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's palm oil inventories jumped to more than 2 million tonnes in April, well above expectations, as production surged to a six-month high and coronavirus lockdown led to a slump in demand. Leading Indian importers last week contracted up to 2,00,000 tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) from Malaysia to be shipped in June and July. India's total palm oil imports for the first four months of 2020 fell by more than 50% from the same period in 2019 to 1.11 million tonnes. India early this year restricted imports of Malaysian palm oil after then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised policies by New Delhi affecting the country's Muslim minority. The renewed buying has hence been spurred by low stocks, while India's relations with Malaysia have been improving since a new government was formed in early March. Malaysian palm oil is now available at a $15 discount to supplies from Indonesia which on Monday raised its palm oil export levy by $5 per tonne. India buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil a year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its total edible oil imports, and took a record 4.4 million tonnes of Malaysian palm oil in 2019. Indian purchases of palm oil from Malaysia could rise further if discounts remain. (with inputs from Reuters)

India resumes purchase of Malaysian palm oil

India's exports of sugar to Malaysia so far in 2020 have nearly tripled over the figure for all of last year, as Kuala Lumpur steps up purchases to placate New Delhi in a trade dispute that halted its palm oil exports to India, trade officials said.

The record-buying could also help India, the world's biggest producer of sugar, to cut stockpiles that are squeezing domestic prices.

India had been the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil for five years, but purchases ground to a halt after the January curbs, a retaliation for then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's criticism of New Delhi's policy regarding its Muslim minority.

"This year Malaysia was aggressively buying Indian raw sugar, which was a pleasant surprise," Praful Vithalani, president of the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA), told Reuters.

The trade body's data shows Malaysia has imported 324,405 tonnes of sugar from India this year. That compares with India's exports last year of around 110,000 tonnes and a 2008 record of 313,406 tonnes, according to trade estimates. Malaysia imported a total of 1.95 million tonnes of raw sugar in 2019, data from the International Sugar Organization on Refinitiv Eikon shows. It typically buys more from Brazil and Thailand than from India.

Kuala Lumpur's sugar purchases from India could easily surpass 400,000 tonnes in 2020, as some shipments are still in the pipeline, said a Mumbai-based dealer of a global trading house.

Kuala Lumpur may have asked refiners to give preference to India in sugar purchases, said another Mumbai-based dealer, adding, "It's an effort to please India."

Both dealers sought anonymity as they were not allowed to speak with media.

In January, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, the southeast Asian nation's top sugar refiner, said it would buy 130,000 tonnes of raw sugar from India, worth 200 million ringgit ($49.20 million), in the first quarter.

Malaysia has set itself a month's deadline to resolve the dispute over palm oil, its new Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said on Wednesday, adding that he wanted to send a delegation to India as soon as possible.

"Malaysia can show that it is buying more goods from India than Indonesia," a Mumbai-based refiner said, adding that higher imports of farm commodities would give Malaysia grounds to argue in negotiations that New Delhi should resume palm oil purchases.

Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia.

India, hoping to reduce its vast surplus stocks of sugar, has approved an export subsidy of 10,448 Indian rupees ($142) per tonne of the sweetener for the marketing year that will end on September 30.

India's exports of sugar to Malaysia so far in 2020 have nearly tripled over the figure for all of last year, as Kuala Lumpur steps up purchases to placate New Delhi in a trade dispute that halted its palm oil exports to India, trade officials said.

India's exports of sugar to Malaysia so far in 2020 have nearly tripled over the figure for all of last year, as Kuala Lumpur steps up purchases to placate New Delhi in a trade dispute that halted its palm oil exports to India, trade officials said. The record-buying could also help India, the world's biggest producer of sugar, to cut stockpiles that are squeezing domestic prices. India had been the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil for five years, but purchases ground to a halt after the January curbs, a retaliation for then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's criticism of New Delhi's policy regarding its Muslim minority. "This year Malaysia was aggressively buying Indian raw sugar, which was a pleasant surprise," Praful Vithalani, president of the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA), told Reuters. The trade body's data shows Malaysia has imported 324,405 tonnes of sugar from India this year. That compares with India's exports last year of around 110,000 tonnes and a 2008 record of 313,406 tonnes, according to trade estimates. Malaysia imported a total of 1.95 million tonnes of raw sugar in 2019, data from the International Sugar Organization on Refinitiv Eikon shows. It typically buys more from Brazil and Thailand than from India. Kuala Lumpur's sugar purchases from India could easily surpass 400,000 tonnes in 2020, as some shipments are still in the pipeline, said a Mumbai-based dealer of a global trading house. Kuala Lumpur may have asked refiners to give preference to India in sugar purchases, said another Mumbai-based dealer, adding, "It's an effort to please India." Both dealers sought anonymity as they were not allowed to speak with media. In January, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, the southeast Asian nation's top sugar refiner, said it would buy 130,000 tonnes of raw sugar from India, worth 200 million ringgit ($49.20 million), in the first quarter. Malaysia has set itself a month's deadline to resolve the dispute over palm oil, its new Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said on Wednesday, adding that he wanted to send a delegation to India as soon as possible. "Malaysia can show that it is buying more goods from India than Indonesia," a Mumbai-based refiner said, adding that higher imports of farm commodities would give Malaysia grounds to argue in negotiations that New Delhi should resume palm oil purchases. Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia. India, hoping to reduce its vast surplus stocks of sugar, has approved an export subsidy of 10,448 Indian rupees ($142) per tonne of the sweetener for the marketing year that will end on September 30.

Malaysia's sugar purchases from India hit record amid diplomatic spat

India's exports of sugar to Malaysia so far in 2020 have nearly tripled over the figure for all of last year, as Kuala Lumpur steps up purchases to placate New Delhi in a trade dispute that halted its palm oil exports to India, trade officials said.

The record buying could also help India, the world's biggest producer of sugar, to cut stockpiles that are squeezing domestic prices.

India had been the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil for five years, but purchases ground to a halt after the January curbs, a retaliation for then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's criticism of New Delhi's policy regarding its Muslim minority.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indonesia-to-increase-imports-from-india-amid-new-delhi-malaysia-spat-report-276398">Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat: Report</a>

"This year Malaysia was aggressively buying Indian raw sugar, which was a pleasant surprise," Praful Vithalani, president of the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA), told Reuters.

The trade body's data shows Malaysia has imported 324,405 tonnes of sugar from India this year. That compares with India's exports last year of around 110,000 tonnes and a 2008 record of 313,406 tonnes, according to trade estimates. Malaysia imported a total of 1.95 million tonnes of raw sugar in 2019, data from the International Sugar Organization on Refinitiv Eikon shows. It typically buys more from Brazil and Thailand than from India.

Kuala Lumpur's sugar purchases from India could easily surpass 400,000 tonnes in 2020, as some shipments are still in the pipeline, said a Mumbai-based dealer of a global trading house.

Kuala Lumpur may have asked refiners to give preference to India in sugar purchases, said another Mumbai-based dealer, adding, "It's an effort to please India."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-offers-to-buy-more-imports-from-india-after-threat-of-palm-oil-curbs-256078">Malaysia offers to buy more imports from India after threat of palm oil curbs</a>

Both dealers sought anonymity as they were not allowed to speak with media.

In January, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, the southeast Asian nation's top sugar refiner, said it would buy 130,000 tonnes of raw sugar from India, worth 200 million ringgit ($49.20 million), in the first quarter.

Malaysia has set itself a month's deadline to resolve the dispute over palm oil, its new Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said on Wednesday, adding that he wanted to send a delegation to India as soon as possible.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/2nd-largest-sugar-producer-india-imposes-stock-limit-to-control-price-rise-prevent-black-marketing-14685/amp">2nd largest sugar producer India imposes stock limit to control price rise, prevent black-marketing</a>

"Malaysia can show that it is buying more goods from India than Indonesia," a Mumbai-based refiner said, adding that higher imports of farm commodities would give Malaysia grounds to argue in negotiations that New Delhi should resume palm oil purchases.

Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia.

India, hoping to reduce its vast surplus stocks of sugar, has approved an export subsidy of 10,448 Indian rupees ($142) per tonne of the sweetener for the marketing year that will end on Sept. 30.

India's exports of sugar to Malaysia so far in 2020 have nearly tripled over the figure for all of last year, as Kuala Lumpur steps up purchases to placate New Delhi in a trade dispute that halted its palm oil exports to India, trade officials said. The record buying could also help India, the world's biggest producer of sugar, to cut stockpiles that are squeezing domestic prices. India had been the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil for five years, but purchases ground to a halt after the January curbs, a retaliation for then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's criticism of New Delhi's policy regarding its Muslim minority. Also Read: Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat: Report "This year Malaysia was aggressively buying Indian raw sugar, which was a pleasant surprise," Praful Vithalani, president of the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA), told Reuters. The trade body's data shows Malaysia has imported 324,405 tonnes of sugar from India this year. That compares with India's exports last year of around 110,000 tonnes and a 2008 record of 313,406 tonnes, according to trade estimates. Malaysia imported a total of 1.95 million tonnes of raw sugar in 2019, data from the International Sugar Organization on Refinitiv Eikon shows. It typically buys more from Brazil and Thailand than from India. Kuala Lumpur's sugar purchases from India could easily surpass 400,000 tonnes in 2020, as some shipments are still in the pipeline, said a Mumbai-based dealer of a global trading house. Kuala Lumpur may have asked refiners to give preference to India in sugar purchases, said another Mumbai-based dealer, adding, "It's an effort to please India." Also Read: Malaysia offers to buy more imports from India after threat of palm oil curbs Both dealers sought anonymity as they were not allowed to speak with media. In January, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, the southeast Asian nation's top sugar refiner, said it would buy 130,000 tonnes of raw sugar from India, worth 200 million ringgit ($49.20 million), in the first quarter. Malaysia has set itself a month's deadline to resolve the dispute over palm oil, its new Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said on Wednesday, adding that he wanted to send a delegation to India as soon as possible. Also Read: 2nd largest sugar producer India imposes stock limit to control price rise, prevent black-marketing "Malaysia can show that it is buying more goods from India than Indonesia," a Mumbai-based refiner said, adding that higher imports of farm commodities would give Malaysia grounds to argue in negotiations that New Delhi should resume palm oil purchases. Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia. India, hoping to reduce its vast surplus stocks of sugar, has approved an export subsidy of 10,448 Indian rupees ($142) per tonne of the sweetener for the marketing year that will end on Sept. 30.

Malaysia's sugar purchases from India hit record amid diplomatic spat trade

India on Wednesday exempted Nepal from refined palm and palm olein restrictions, news agency Reuters reported citing government officials.

According to the report, the government has started issuing a license to import some refined palm olein from the Himalayan nation.

The latest move comes after India put curbs on palm oil imports from Malaysia after its Prime Minister spoke against India's Citizenship Bill and abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The report says that the move could put pressure on Indian refiners as imports from Nepal were allowed at zero duty under a regional treaty. It will also help Nepal, as refined palm oil and palm olein are its largest export earners.

The initiative is also expected to&nbsp;counter the growing influence of China in Nepal, where Chinese investments have been climbing.

Licences to import around 88,000 tonnes of refined bleached deodorised palm olein from Nepal were issued to about half a dozen importers, Reuters quoted&nbsp;a Kolkata-based official at India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as saying.

Kathmandu has been urging New Delhi to allow imports of refined palm oil and palm olein.

"We have made an exception with Nepal. Refined palm oil imports are not allowed from any other country," said another DGFT official.

(With inputs from Reuters)

India on Wednesday exempted Nepal from refined palm and palm olein restrictions, news agency Reuters reported citing government officials. According to the report, the government has started issuing a license to import some refined palm olein from the Himalayan nation.

India on Wednesday exempted Nepal from refined palm and palm olein restrictions, news agency Reuters reported citing government officials. According to the report, the government has started issuing a license to import some refined palm olein from the Himalayan nation. The latest move comes after India put curbs on palm oil imports from Malaysia after its Prime Minister spoke against India's Citizenship Bill and abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The report says that the move could put pressure on Indian refiners as imports from Nepal were allowed at zero duty under a regional treaty. It will also help Nepal, as refined palm oil and palm olein are its largest export earners. The initiative is also expected to counter the growing influence of China in Nepal, where Chinese investments have been climbing. Licences to import around 88,000 tonnes of refined bleached deodorised palm olein from Nepal were issued to about half a dozen importers, Reuters quoted a Kolkata-based official at India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as saying. Kathmandu has been urging New Delhi to allow imports of refined palm oil and palm olein. "We have made an exception with Nepal. Refined palm oil imports are not allowed from any other country," said another DGFT official. (With inputs from Reuters)

India allows some refined palm olein imports from Nepal amid restrictions: Report

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Indonesia and Malaysia account for 85 per cent of the world's palm oil output while India is the biggest buyer of edible oil. India has effectively halted imports of refined palm oil from Malaysia since early January in retaliation for Malaysia's accusation that recent Indian policies discriminate against Muslims.

Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of India's row with Malaysia. Indonesian crude palm oil has sold at a premium to Malaysian oil since India this month placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil.

The trade ministers of India and Indonesia, which want to more than double their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2025, met in Davos on Thursday and agreed to fast-forward trade between them, one of the informed sources said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-palm-import-curbs-to-start-malaysia-indonesia-price-war-souces-273149">India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war</a>

"This is a goal we agreed upon earlier, now the process accelerates," said the Indian source. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media.

"Starting now, they have promised that they will buy a lot more meat, a lot more sugar and autos/auto parts. Palm oil imports from Indonesia will increase and there are many areas where we will export more."

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The sources declined to give figures.

An Indian government document, reviewed by Reuters, said that Indonesia had "informally agreed" to double the annual quota for Indian bovine meat exports to 200,000 tonnes.

Indian-Indonesian trade was worth $21.2 billion in the last fiscal year that ended in March, $15.84 billion of which comprised Indian purchases.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysia-too-small-to-respond-to-indias-boycott-of-palm-oil-with-trade-retaliation-mahathir-mohamad-275346">Malaysia too small to respond to India's boycott of palm oil with trade retaliation - Mahathir Mohamad</a>

Indonesian Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto will visit India next month to hold further talks on enhancing trade, according to one of the Indian government sources.

A spokeswoman for Indonesia's trade ministry had no immediate comment. An Indian trade ministry spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Indonesia imported 94,500 tonnes of Indian buffalo meat worth $323 million in the 2018/19 fiscal year. It is the third biggest buyer of Indian buffalo meat after Vietnam and Malaysia.

Indonesia, however, bought only 555 tonnes of sugar from India last fiscal year.

"They have now changed some of their norms to let more Indian sugar come in," said one of the sources. "In other areas, there's an ongoing process of discussion on easing regulations or standards, or increasing quotas in these areas."

Malaysia's top sugar refiner told Reuters on Thursday that it would increase purchases of sugar from India, a move that two sources in Malaysia said was part of efforts to placate New Delhi amid the palm spat.

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

Indonesia has agreed to immediately increase imports of Indian buffalo meat, sugar and auto parts after India boosted purchases of Indonesian palm oil amid a spat with rival supplier Malaysia, two Indian government sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday. Indonesia and Malaysia account for 85 per cent of the world's palm oil output while India is the biggest buyer of edible oil. India has effectively halted imports of refined palm oil from Malaysia since early January in retaliation for Malaysia's accusation that recent Indian policies discriminate against Muslims. Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer and exporter, is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of India's row with Malaysia. Indonesian crude palm oil has sold at a premium to Malaysian oil since India this month placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil. The trade ministers of India and Indonesia, which want to more than double their bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2025, met in Davos on Thursday and agreed to fast-forward trade between them, one of the informed sources said. Also read: India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war "This is a goal we agreed upon earlier, now the process accelerates," said the Indian source. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media. "Starting now, they have promised that they will buy a lot more meat, a lot more sugar and autos/auto parts. Palm oil imports from Indonesia will increase and there are many areas where we will export more." × The sources declined to give figures. An Indian government document, reviewed by Reuters, said that Indonesia had "informally agreed" to double the annual quota for Indian bovine meat exports to 200,000 tonnes. Indian-Indonesian trade was worth $21.2 billion in the last fiscal year that ended in March, $15.84 billion of which comprised Indian purchases. Also read: Malaysia too small to respond to India's boycott of palm oil with trade retaliation - Mahathir Mohamad Indonesian Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto will visit India next month to hold further talks on enhancing trade, according to one of the Indian government sources. A spokeswoman for Indonesia's trade ministry had no immediate comment. An Indian trade ministry spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Indonesia imported 94,500 tonnes of Indian buffalo meat worth $323 million in the 2018/19 fiscal year. It is the third biggest buyer of Indian buffalo meat after Vietnam and Malaysia. Indonesia, however, bought only 555 tonnes of sugar from India last fiscal year. "They have now changed some of their norms to let more Indian sugar come in," said one of the sources. "In other areas, there's an ongoing process of discussion on easing regulations or standards, or increasing quotas in these areas." Malaysia's top sugar refiner told Reuters on Thursday that it would increase purchases of sugar from India, a move that two sources in Malaysia said was part of efforts to placate New Delhi amid the palm spat.

Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat: Report

Thousands of tonnes of&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil&nbsp;are delayed or&nbsp;stuck&nbsp;at various&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;ports&nbsp;after&nbsp;the world's biggest edible&nbsp;oil&nbsp;buyer placed restrictions on imports&nbsp;amid a diplomatic row with key supplier Malaysia, multiple&nbsp;sources&nbsp;told Reuters.

India announced the&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;on imports&nbsp;of&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil&nbsp;on January&nbsp;8 in a bid to help domestic refiners raise their plant utilisation rates, according to industry officials familiar with the matter. In a typical year, India relies on imports&nbsp;for almost all of its supply of the vegoil&nbsp;used in everything from soap to cookies.

But Malaysia, the world's second-biggest producer and exporter of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-from-malaysia-following-pm-mahathir-mohamad-caa-remark-273134">palm&nbsp;oil</a>, has publicly bridled at New Delhi's move even as India has stepped up orders from Indonesia, according to Refinitiv data. India has been its biggest market for the last five years, and the row sent benchmark Malaysian&nbsp;palm&nbsp;futures to their worst weekly fall in more than 11 years on Friday.

"More than 30,000 tonnes have been&nbsp;stuck&nbsp;at various (Indian)&nbsp;ports. All these vessels were loaded before the government restricted imports&nbsp;of&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil," said a Mumbai-based vegetable&nbsp;oil&nbsp;dealer, who declined to be named citing company policy.

"Usually customs officials allow unloading of commodities that are in transit before any change in regulation. But in the case of&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil, there is some confusion and that is leading to delays."

A source in New Delhi with direct knowledge of the matter said the restrictions mean&nbsp;importers will need a license to buy, a tool that could be used to deny or delay shipments from Malaysia. The person declined to be identified citing the sensitivity of the matter.

Another vegetable&nbsp;oil&nbsp;importer said some vessels were&nbsp;stuck&nbsp;at Kolkata port in eastern India, with some others on the west coast. In one incident at Mangalore port on the west coast, crude&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil&nbsp;was unloaded from a vessel, while&nbsp;refined&nbsp;oil&nbsp;was not permitted ashore, said the&nbsp;importer, who also declined to be named citing the sensitive nature of the situation.

Reuters could not ascertain which vessels contained the&nbsp;cargoes&nbsp;that have been held up at Kolkata and Mangalore, nor who the buyers were. A source in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-palm-import-curbs-to-start-malaysia-indonesia-price-war-souces-273149">Kuala Lumpur</a>, who requested anonymity citing the sensitivity of the matter, said the&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil&nbsp;was from both Indonesia and Malaysia.

Officials at Kolkata and Mangalore&nbsp;ports&nbsp;did not immediately respond&nbsp;to an&nbsp;email&nbsp;seeking comment.

Malaysia's Sime Darby Plantation, the world's largest&nbsp;oil&nbsp;palm&nbsp;planter by land size, said none of its&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil&nbsp;was&nbsp;stuck&nbsp;at&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;ports. The company, which has operations in both Malaysia and Indonesia, exported more than 436,000 tonnes of&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;oil&nbsp;to India last year.

Sudhakar Desai, president of&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;Vegetable&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;Producers' Association, said&nbsp;refined&nbsp;palm&nbsp;cargoes&nbsp;that reached before the restrictions were placed had been cleared but none&nbsp;after&nbsp;that.

"We don't think any licenses have been issued for any origin," Desai said.

A spokeswoman for India's trade ministry did not immediately respond to an email from Reuters seeking comment.

Thousands of tonnes of refined palm oil are delayed or stuck at various Indian ports after the world's biggest edible oil buyer placed restrictions on imports amid a diplomatic row with key supplier Malaysia, multiple sources told Reuters.

Thousands of tonnes of refined palm oil are delayed or stuck at various Indian ports after the world's biggest edible oil buyer placed restrictions on imports amid a diplomatic row with key supplier Malaysia, multiple sources told Reuters. India announced the curbs on imports of refined palm oil on January 8 in a bid to help domestic refiners raise their plant utilisation rates, according to industry officials familiar with the matter. In a typical year, India relies on imports for almost all of its supply of the vegoil used in everything from soap to cookies. But Malaysia, the world's second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil, has publicly bridled at New Delhi's move even as India has stepped up orders from Indonesia, according to Refinitiv data. India has been its biggest market for the last five years, and the row sent benchmark Malaysian palm futures to their worst weekly fall in more than 11 years on Friday. "More than 30,000 tonnes have been stuck at various (Indian) ports. All these vessels were loaded before the government restricted imports of refined palm oil," said a Mumbai-based vegetable oil dealer, who declined to be named citing company policy. "Usually customs officials allow unloading of commodities that are in transit before any change in regulation. But in the case of refined palm oil, there is some confusion and that is leading to delays." A source in New Delhi with direct knowledge of the matter said the restrictions mean importers will need a license to buy, a tool that could be used to deny or delay shipments from Malaysia. The person declined to be identified citing the sensitivity of the matter. Another vegetable oil importer said some vessels were stuck at Kolkata port in eastern India, with some others on the west coast. In one incident at Mangalore port on the west coast, crude palm oil was unloaded from a vessel, while refined oil was not permitted ashore, said the importer, who also declined to be named citing the sensitive nature of the situation. Reuters could not ascertain which vessels contained the cargoes that have been held up at Kolkata and Mangalore, nor who the buyers were. A source in Kuala Lumpur, who requested anonymity citing the sensitivity of the matter, said the refined palm oil was from both Indonesia and Malaysia. Officials at Kolkata and Mangalore ports did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Malaysia's Sime Darby Plantation, the world's largest oil palm planter by land size, said none of its refined palm oil was stuck at Indian ports. The company, which has operations in both Malaysia and Indonesia, exported more than 436,000 tonnes of refined palm oil to India last year. Sudhakar Desai, president of Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association, said refined palm cargoes that reached before the restrictions were placed had been cleared but none after that. "We don't think any licenses have been issued for any origin," Desai said. A spokeswoman for India's trade ministry did not immediately respond to an email from Reuters seeking comment.

Refined palm oil cargoes stuck at Indian ports after import curbs: Sources

India's trade minister will not meet with his Malaysian counterpart in Davos next week because of his tight schedule, an Indian trade ministry official said on Sunday, as a spat simmers between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysian-pm-expresses-concern-after-india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-274231">top buyer of palm oil and its biggest supplier</a>.

Hindu-majority India has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against a new citizenship law which critics say discriminate against Muslims.

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is the second biggest producer and exporter of palm oil and India's restrictions on the refined variety of the commodity imposed last week have been seen as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-from-malaysia-following-pm-mahathir-mohamad-caa-remark-273134">retaliation for Mahathir's criticism of New Delhi</a>.

A Malaysian government spokesman said on Friday that trade ministers from India and Malaysia could meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos.

But the Indian trade ministry official, who said he was speaking on behalf of the ministry, said no meeting was planned between India's Piyush Goyal and Malaysia's Darell Leiking.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-palm-import-curbs-to-start-malaysia-indonesia-price-war-souces-273149">India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war</a>

"I can tell you fair and square there's no meeting between the Malaysian minister and the Indian trade minister at Davos," he said, asking not to be named as he was not a government spokesman.

"As part of a larger meeting of trade ministers they may be both together, but there's no meeting. The schedule is already finalised, and it's full."

India last week imposed curbs on refined palm oil, which a source in New Delhi with direct knowledge of the matter said could be used to deny or delay imports from Malaysia. India has been Malaysia's top palm market for five years.

The row dragged benchmark Malaysian palm futures to their biggest weekly decline in more than 11 years on Friday.

Malaysia's Leiking has sent a message to Goyal wishing him well for the Davos meeting, according to the message reviewed by Reuters.

Spokespeople for the trade ministries of India and Malaysia did not immediately respond to queries from Reuters.

Mahathir, the world's oldest premier at 94 and one of the Muslim world's biggest voices, has said he would continue to speak out against "wrong things" even if his words cost his country financially.

"Why is he harming his own country by his erratic actions?" the Indian official said, referring to Mahathir. "The comments he's making are very unprecedented."

Responding to a question on India's new religion-based citizenship law, Mahathir said last month the country was trying to "deprive some Muslims of their citizenship". At the U.N. General Assembly in September, he said India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan.

India's trade minister will not meet with his Malaysian counterpart in Davos next week because of his tight schedule, an Indian trade ministry official said on Sunday, as a spat simmers between the top buyer of palm oil and its biggest supplier.

India's trade minister will not meet with his Malaysian counterpart in Davos next week because of his tight schedule, an Indian trade ministry official said on Sunday, as a spat simmers between the top buyer of palm oil and its biggest supplier. Hindu-majority India has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against a new citizenship law which critics say discriminate against Muslims. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is the second biggest producer and exporter of palm oil and India's restrictions on the refined variety of the commodity imposed last week have been seen as a retaliation for Mahathir's criticism of New Delhi. A Malaysian government spokesman said on Friday that trade ministers from India and Malaysia could meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos. But the Indian trade ministry official, who said he was speaking on behalf of the ministry, said no meeting was planned between India's Piyush Goyal and Malaysia's Darell Leiking. Also read: India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war "I can tell you fair and square there's no meeting between the Malaysian minister and the Indian trade minister at Davos," he said, asking not to be named as he was not a government spokesman. "As part of a larger meeting of trade ministers they may be both together, but there's no meeting. The schedule is already finalised, and it's full." India last week imposed curbs on refined palm oil, which a source in New Delhi with direct knowledge of the matter said could be used to deny or delay imports from Malaysia. India has been Malaysia's top palm market for five years. The row dragged benchmark Malaysian palm futures to their biggest weekly decline in more than 11 years on Friday. Malaysia's Leiking has sent a message to Goyal wishing him well for the Davos meeting, according to the message reviewed by Reuters. Spokespeople for the trade ministries of India and Malaysia did not immediately respond to queries from Reuters. Mahathir, the world's oldest premier at 94 and one of the Muslim world's biggest voices, has said he would continue to speak out against "wrong things" even if his words cost his country financially. "Why is he harming his own country by his erratic actions?" the Indian official said, referring to Mahathir. "The comments he's making are very unprecedented." Responding to a question on India's new religion-based citizenship law, Mahathir said last month the country was trying to "deprive some Muslims of their citizenship". At the U.N. General Assembly in September, he said India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan.

As palm row simmers, India says no meeting with Malaysia in Davos

Malaysia is talking to the Indian government and trade officials in a bid to resolve concerns over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysian-pm-expresses-concern-after-india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-274231">New Delhi's new palm oil import restrictions</a>, a minister in Kuala Lumpur said on Thursday amid a trade spat between the countries.

India's Hindu nationalist government has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against recent policies which critics say discriminate against Muslims. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority nation.

India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oils, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-from-malaysia-following-pm-mahathir-mohamad-caa-remark-273134">last week placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil</a> and has informally asked traders to stop importing all kinds of palm oil from Malaysia, the world's second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil.

Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing sources, that New Delhi could also restrict imports of petroleum, aluminium ingots, liquefied natural gas, computer parts and microprocessors from Malaysia.

However, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said New Delhi had not imposed any curbs on imports from Malaysia and Turkey, and that the government was not contemplating any restrictions on the two countries.

"This year, we foresee more challenges in some of our major markets," Teresa Kok, Malaysia's primary industries minister who is in charge of palm oil, told an industry conference, referring to India's new palm import rules.

Kok said the Indian high commissioner, the ambassador in Malaysia, was one of the people she was in touch with over the issue. 
It is "important for us to engage with them further through diplomatic channels and stakeholders," she told reporters on the sidelines of the event. "We will continue to engage."

In some good news for Malaysian palm sellers, Bangladesh's farm minister told Reuters his country was open to buying more from Malaysia if it offers competitive rates.

The South Asian country buys mainly from Indonesia, which is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of the Malaysia-India dispute.

Mahathir, the 94-year-old premier who is vocal on issues concerning the Muslim world, ignored a question from Reuters on the spat with India on the sidelines of a separate event on Thursday.

On Tuesday, he said Malaysia was concerned about the palm oil curbs but indicated he would continue to speak out against "wrong things" even if it costs his country financially.

Last month, he criticised India's new religion-based citizenship laws, which critics say discriminate against Muslims, and its policies in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir which is also claimed by Pakistan.

India was Malaysia's biggest buyer of palm oil in 2019, buying 4.4 million tonnes. In 2020, purchases could fall below 1 million tonnes if relations do not improve, Indian traders say.

To make up for the potential loss, Malaysian officials say they are trying to sell more to countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

But replacing a massive buyer like India will not be easy, and there have been calls for both countries to talk it outputting aside any "personal or diplomatic ego".

The other concern for Malaysia is that following the signing of an initial trade deal between the United States and China on Wednesday, China could buy more soy oil from the United States and less Malaysian palm oil. 
&nbsp;

Malaysia is talking to the Indian government and trade officials in a bid to resolve concerns over New Delhi's new palm oil import restrictions, a minister in Kuala Lumpur said on Thursday amid a trade spat between the countries.

Malaysia is talking to the Indian government and trade officials in a bid to resolve concerns over New Delhi's new palm oil import restrictions, a minister in Kuala Lumpur said on Thursday amid a trade spat between the countries. India's Hindu nationalist government has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against recent policies which critics say discriminate against Muslims. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority nation. India, the world's biggest buyer of edible oils, last week placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil and has informally asked traders to stop importing all kinds of palm oil from Malaysia, the world's second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil. Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing sources, that New Delhi could also restrict imports of petroleum, aluminium ingots, liquefied natural gas, computer parts and microprocessors from Malaysia. However, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said New Delhi had not imposed any curbs on imports from Malaysia and Turkey, and that the government was not contemplating any restrictions on the two countries. "This year, we foresee more challenges in some of our major markets," Teresa Kok, Malaysia's primary industries minister who is in charge of palm oil, told an industry conference, referring to India's new palm import rules. Kok said the Indian high commissioner, the ambassador in Malaysia, was one of the people she was in touch with over the issue. It is "important for us to engage with them further through diplomatic channels and stakeholders," she told reporters on the sidelines of the event. "We will continue to engage." In some good news for Malaysian palm sellers, Bangladesh's farm minister told Reuters his country was open to buying more from Malaysia if it offers competitive rates. The South Asian country buys mainly from Indonesia, which is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of the Malaysia-India dispute. Mahathir, the 94-year-old premier who is vocal on issues concerning the Muslim world, ignored a question from Reuters on the spat with India on the sidelines of a separate event on Thursday. On Tuesday, he said Malaysia was concerned about the palm oil curbs but indicated he would continue to speak out against "wrong things" even if it costs his country financially. Last month, he criticised India's new religion-based citizenship laws, which critics say discriminate against Muslims, and its policies in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir which is also claimed by Pakistan. India was Malaysia's biggest buyer of palm oil in 2019, buying 4.4 million tonnes. In 2020, purchases could fall below 1 million tonnes if relations do not improve, Indian traders say. To make up for the potential loss, Malaysian officials say they are trying to sell more to countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. But replacing a massive buyer like India will not be easy, and there have been calls for both countries to talk it outputting aside any "personal or diplomatic ego". The other concern for Malaysia is that following the signing of an initial trade deal between the United States and China on Wednesday, China could buy more soy oil from the United States and less Malaysian palm oil.

As wider trade dispute looms, Malaysia talks to India over palm curbs

The Indian government has imposed restrictions on the imports of refined palm oil and palmolein. This was done in retaliation against top supplier Malaysia after its criticism of India's actions in Kashmir and new citizenship law. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar said that only checks and balances would be put in place and imports won't be stopped altogether. #WION #CAA #CitizenshipAmendmentBill #J&K #MEA #Malaysia

WION Dispatch: India restricts imports of refined palm oil after Malaysia's criticism over CAA

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-from-malaysia-following-pm-mahathir-mohamad-caa-remark-273134">India's restrictions on imports of refined palm oil</a> will lead to a loss of market share for Malaysia and spark a price war with rival suppliers, Indonesia, a Malaysian industry association said on Thursday.

India, the world's biggest edible oil buyer, issued a notification on Wednesday amending imports of refined palm oil to "restricted", a move that industry sources said amounted to an effective ban.

The move was seen as punishing Malaysia, India's main supplier of refined palm oil, for criticism of its policies by Mahathir Mohamad, the 94-year-old outspoken prime minister of Muslim-majority Malaysia. Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of crude palm oil.

The Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM) said the move meant Malaysia would now have to compete on crude palm sales to India, where Indonesia has traditionally been more cost-competitive.

"This puts Indonesia and Malaysia at loggerheads. There will be a price war between Indonesia and Malaysia, and we are at the losing end," said PORAM Chairman Jamil Haron told Reuters.

"We can still sell crude palm oil, but now we need to compete with Indonesia."

Haron said the restrictions on refined palm oil could be in the form of quotas and more regulations.

Malaysia last year overtook Indonesia as India's biggest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-cuts-tax-on-crude-refined-palm-oil-imports-from-asean-countries-187685">palm oil</a> supplier after it won a lower duty for refined palm oil imports.

The Southeast Asian neighbours account for 85 per cent&nbsp;of global palm oil production. Palm oil is Malaysia's biggest agricultural export, accounting for 2.8 per cent&nbsp;of its gross domestic product and 4.5 per cent&nbsp;of total exports.

A Kuala Lumpur-based trader, who did not want to be named citing company policy, said Malaysia's exports would start falling from end-January after current contracts end.

Malaysia exported an estimated 3.9 million tonnes of palm oil to India in 2019. Of this 2.04 million tonnes was palm olein which is used as a cooking agent, according to Refinitiv data.

PORAM members include top industry players including Sime Darby Plantation, Cargill Palm Products, FGV Refineries, IOI Edible Oils, and Wilmar Edible Oils.

Malaysian Palm Oil Association Chief Executive Nageeb Wahab said the curbs on refined palm oil exports would benefit Indian refiners.

Mahathir said in October India "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed mainly Muslim region also claimed by Pakistan. Last month, he said India was stoking unrest with its new religion-based citizenship law that excludes Muslims.

India's restrictions on imports of refined palm oil will lead to a loss of market share for Malaysia and spark a price war with rival suppliers, Indonesia, a Malaysian industry association said on Thursday.

India's restrictions on imports of refined palm oil will lead to a loss of market share for Malaysia and spark a price war with rival suppliers, Indonesia, a Malaysian industry association said on Thursday. India, the world's biggest edible oil buyer, issued a notification on Wednesday amending imports of refined palm oil to "restricted", a move that industry sources said amounted to an effective ban. The move was seen as punishing Malaysia, India's main supplier of refined palm oil, for criticism of its policies by Mahathir Mohamad, the 94-year-old outspoken prime minister of Muslim-majority Malaysia. Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of crude palm oil. The Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM) said the move meant Malaysia would now have to compete on crude palm sales to India, where Indonesia has traditionally been more cost-competitive. "This puts Indonesia and Malaysia at loggerheads. There will be a price war between Indonesia and Malaysia, and we are at the losing end," said PORAM Chairman Jamil Haron told Reuters. "We can still sell crude palm oil, but now we need to compete with Indonesia." Haron said the restrictions on refined palm oil could be in the form of quotas and more regulations. Malaysia last year overtook Indonesia as India's biggest palm oil supplier after it won a lower duty for refined palm oil imports. The Southeast Asian neighbours account for 85 per cent of global palm oil production. Palm oil is Malaysia's biggest agricultural export, accounting for 2.8 per cent of its gross domestic product and 4.5 per cent of total exports. A Kuala Lumpur-based trader, who did not want to be named citing company policy, said Malaysia's exports would start falling from end-January after current contracts end. Malaysia exported an estimated 3.9 million tonnes of palm oil to India in 2019. Of this 2.04 million tonnes was palm olein which is used as a cooking agent, according to Refinitiv data. PORAM members include top industry players including Sime Darby Plantation, Cargill Palm Products, FGV Refineries, IOI Edible Oils, and Wilmar Edible Oils. Malaysian Palm Oil Association Chief Executive Nageeb Wahab said the curbs on refined palm oil exports would benefit Indian refiners. Mahathir said in October India "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed mainly Muslim region also claimed by Pakistan. Last month, he said India was stoking unrest with its new religion-based citizenship law that excludes Muslims.

India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war: Report

In end of December 2018, Malaysia's inventory recorded a near two-decade high of 2.3 million tonnes, data from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-tax-hike-to-slash-palm-oil-imports-boost-soyoil-sunflower-oil-buying-34770">Malaysian Palm Oil</a> Board (MPOB) showed.

The industry regulator expects the introduction of the B20 biodiesel programme in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-offers-to-buy-more-imports-from-india-after-threat-of-palm-oil-curbs-256078">country</a> to increase local consumption to 25% versus the current 18%.

"We will be&nbsp;very happy if the stocks can reduce further to between 1.5 million tonnes to 2.0 million tonnes especially with the implementation of the B20 programme to kick in next year," Ahmad&nbsp;Parveez&nbsp;Ghulam Kadir, MPOB director-general told Bernama.

"It is my wish to see the crude palm oil price trading at RM3,000 per tonne."

Malaysia, the world's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palm-oil-to-blame-for-39-per-cent-of-forest-loss-in-borneo-since-2000-study-250629">second-largest producer</a> of palm oil, increased the proportion of palm oil used in biodiesel to 10% from 7% last December to increase domestic consumption.

It plans to roll out the 20% biodiesel programme in stages next year. Kadir said he expects 70% of oil palm plantation across the tropical Southeast Asian nation to be certified with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification by February.

Currently, about 60.6% of total oil palm plantation are MSPO certified.

"With our full-fledged MSPO-certified palm oil, after three to four years down the road, Malaysian palm oil productivity will start catching up. But whatever production we produce, I hope stocks are&nbsp;always manageable and&nbsp;the crude palm oil price should not go below $603.78 per tonne," Kadir&nbsp;said.

The MSPO certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards on protecting the environment and workers' rights, is set to be mandatory from January 2020.

WATCH: Gravitas: Indian Traders Boycott Palm Oil From Malaysia

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In end of December 2018, Malaysia's inventory recorded a near two-decade high of 2.3 million tonnes, data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) showed. The industry regulator expects the introduction of the B20 biodiesel programme in the country to increase local consumption to 25% versus the current 18%.

In end of December 2018, Malaysia's inventory recorded a near two-decade high of 2.3 million tonnes, data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) showed. The industry regulator expects the introduction of the B20 biodiesel programme in the country to increase local consumption to 25% versus the current 18%. "We will be very happy if the stocks can reduce further to between 1.5 million tonnes to 2.0 million tonnes especially with the implementation of the B20 programme to kick in next year," Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, MPOB director-general told Bernama. "It is my wish to see the crude palm oil price trading at RM3,000 per tonne." Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, increased the proportion of palm oil used in biodiesel to 10% from 7% last December to increase domestic consumption. It plans to roll out the 20% biodiesel programme in stages next year. Kadir said he expects 70% of oil palm plantation across the tropical Southeast Asian nation to be certified with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification by February. Currently, about 60.6% of total oil palm plantation are MSPO certified. "With our full-fledged MSPO-certified palm oil, after three to four years down the road, Malaysian palm oil productivity will start catching up. But whatever production we produce, I hope stocks are always manageable and the crude palm oil price should not go below $603.78 per tonne," Kadir said. The MSPO certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards on protecting the environment and workers' rights, is set to be mandatory from January 2020. WATCH: Gravitas: Indian Traders Boycott Palm Oil From Malaysia ×

Malaysia expects palm oil inventory to end year at 2.1 million tonnes: Report

Indonesia files lawsuit at World Trade Organization against European Union over it's palm oil claims. EU claimed that palm oil industry is behind the excessive deforestation. Indonesia is the biggest producer of the palm oil.

Indonesia files lawsuit at WTO against EU over it's palm oil claims

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-offers-to-buy-more-imports-from-india-after-threat-of-palm-oil-curbs-256078">Malaysia</a>, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-palm-oil-executive-arrested-over-journalist-killings-260987">palm oil </a>meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday.

The EU is considering setting new limits by an as-yet-unspecified date on food contaminants in refined fats and oils and is discussing imposing a safety level for so-called 3-MCPD esters found in palm oil.

The European Food Safety Authority has said the esters raise potential health concerns.

"The palm oil industry in Malaysia has been instructed (by the government) to adhere to the EU-prescribed level of 3-MCPDE of 2.5 ppm for food products by 2021," Malaysia's minister of primary industries, Teresa Kok, told an industry event, referring to contaminants in milligrams per kilo of oil.

"We are now in the process of enforcing several regulations to ensure that palm oil produced meets the acceptable safety level for 3-MCPDE."

Malaysia last month said new EU rules could hurt demand for palm oil in food - which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of&nbsp;global consumption of the oil, and where it is used in products such as bread and chocolate spread.

The $60 billion palm industry is often blamed for stripping tropical rainforest, and the EU this year introduced a law to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns. Malaysia and Indonesia have said they plan to challenge the law at the World Trade Organisation.

The EU biodiesel market is worth an estimated 9 billion euros ($10 billion) a year.

"Despite our best efforts, if certain importing countries choose to impose discriminatory trade barriers against palm oil-producing countries, we must not keep silent nor hesitate to take countermeasures," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the same event on Tuesday.

Kok said 60 per cent&nbsp;of the country's total oil palm planted area had received the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards regarding environmental protection and workers' rights.

The Southeast Asian country aims for 70 per cent&nbsp;oil palm areas to have received MSPO certification by February, Kok said.

She reiterated the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's warning of legal action or licence cancellation if palm mills and growers with plantations of 100 acres and more are not certified by January&nbsp;1.

Kok said on Monday certification among smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of Malaysia's total palm oil production, was particularly low because of concerns they would not be able to recover the high costs of complying with the regulations.

Malaysia, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its palm oil meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday.

Malaysia, the second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, will enforce regulations to ensure that by 2021 its palm oil meets new food safety standards under consideration by the European Union, a minister said on Tuesday. The EU is considering setting new limits by an as-yet-unspecified date on food contaminants in refined fats and oils and is discussing imposing a safety level for so-called 3-MCPD esters found in palm oil. The European Food Safety Authority has said the esters raise potential health concerns. "The palm oil industry in Malaysia has been instructed (by the government) to adhere to the EU-prescribed level of 3-MCPDE of 2.5 ppm for food products by 2021," Malaysia's minister of primary industries, Teresa Kok, told an industry event, referring to contaminants in milligrams per kilo of oil. "We are now in the process of enforcing several regulations to ensure that palm oil produced meets the acceptable safety level for 3-MCPDE." Malaysia last month said new EU rules could hurt demand for palm oil in food - which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of global consumption of the oil, and where it is used in products such as bread and chocolate spread. The $60 billion palm industry is often blamed for stripping tropical rainforest, and the EU this year introduced a law to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns. Malaysia and Indonesia have said they plan to challenge the law at the World Trade Organisation. The EU biodiesel market is worth an estimated 9 billion euros ($10 billion) a year. "Despite our best efforts, if certain importing countries choose to impose discriminatory trade barriers against palm oil-producing countries, we must not keep silent nor hesitate to take countermeasures," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the same event on Tuesday. Kok said 60 per cent of the country's total oil palm planted area had received the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, which requires growers to meet certain standards regarding environmental protection and workers' rights. The Southeast Asian country aims for 70 per cent oil palm areas to have received MSPO certification by February, Kok said. She reiterated the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's warning of legal action or licence cancellation if palm mills and growers with plantations of 100 acres and more are not certified by January 1. Kok said on Monday certification among smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 40 per cent of Malaysia's total palm oil production, was particularly low because of concerns they would not be able to recover the high costs of complying with the regulations.

Malaysian palm oil to meet new European Union food safety levels by 2021: Minister

An Indonesian palm oil executive has been arrested for allegedly ordering the killing two activist journalists who were mediating a land dispute between his company and local residents, police said Saturday.

Maraden Sianipar's body was found last week in a ditch near a palm plantation in Labuhan Batu in North Sumatra province.

Police found the remains of his colleague, Maratua Siregar, in the same area a day later. Both had been stabbed multiple times.

On Saturday, North Sumatra authorities said they had arrested businessman Wibharry Padmoasmolo for allegedly masterminding the plot by paying nearing $3,000 to four men to commit the killings.

Padmoasmolo owns a firm that produces palm oil,&nbsp;a widely used vegetable oil found in everything from soap to chocolate,&nbsp;which was in a dispute with locals that the two victims were advocating for, police said.

The killings were aimed at stopping the pair's involvement, according to authorities, who added that Padmoasmolo has denied owning the firm under questioning.

In all, five people have been arrested in connection with the murder plot and police said they're still searching for several more suspects still at large.

"We are looking for the three, while the five other suspects have been detained for further questioning," said North Sumatra police chief Agus Andrianto.

Victims Sianipar and Maratua worked together for a local online news portal before going freelance in 2017.

A friend of Siregar said they had recently become known for their activism in land disputes,&nbsp;a common source of conflict across the resource-rich Southeast Asian archipelago.

The friend said Siregar was active in an organisation that advocated for residents in the dispute.

Many cases of violence against journalists in Indonesia go unsolved, according to the Independent Journalists Alliance, which has reported at least two dozen cases this year alone.

Indonesia is ranked 124th out of 180 countries on the 2019 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.

An Indonesian palm oil executive has been arrested for allegedly ordering the killing two activist journalists who were mediating a land dispute between his company and local residents, police said Saturday.

An Indonesian palm oil executive has been arrested for allegedly ordering the killing two activist journalists who were mediating a land dispute between his company and local residents, police said Saturday. Maraden Sianipar's body was found last week in a ditch near a palm plantation in Labuhan Batu in North Sumatra province. Police found the remains of his colleague, Maratua Siregar, in the same area a day later. Both had been stabbed multiple times. On Saturday, North Sumatra authorities said they had arrested businessman Wibharry Padmoasmolo for allegedly masterminding the plot by paying nearing $3,000 to four men to commit the killings. Padmoasmolo owns a firm that produces palm oil, a widely used vegetable oil found in everything from soap to chocolate, which was in a dispute with locals that the two victims were advocating for, police said. The killings were aimed at stopping the pair's involvement, according to authorities, who added that Padmoasmolo has denied owning the firm under questioning. In all, five people have been arrested in connection with the murder plot and police said they're still searching for several more suspects still at large. "We are looking for the three, while the five other suspects have been detained for further questioning," said North Sumatra police chief Agus Andrianto. Victims Sianipar and Maratua worked together for a local online news portal before going freelance in 2017. A friend of Siregar said they had recently become known for their activism in land disputes, a common source of conflict across the resource-rich Southeast Asian archipelago. The friend said Siregar was active in an organisation that advocated for residents in the dispute. Many cases of violence against journalists in Indonesia go unsolved, according to the Independent Journalists Alliance, which has reported at least two dozen cases this year alone. Indonesia is ranked 124th out of 180 countries on the 2019 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.

Indonesian palm oil executive arrested over journalist killings

India & Malaysia Are Lock In A Major Diplomatic Spat Malaysia's anti-India stance on Kashmir at the U.N.G.A & elsewhere could cost the country dearly.

Gravitas: Indian Traders Boycott Palm Oil From Malaysia

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