Biodiesel in Pakistan

UOB Kay Hian Malaysia Research expects crude palm oil (CPO) to average RM2,950 per tonne in 2014 on lower inventory level, tight supply and robust demand.

In its plantations industry outlook issued on Monday, it was maintaining its Overweight stance as CPO price was expected to gain upside momentum.

At midday, CPO for third month delivery slumped RM9 to RM2,508 which was the lowest since Nov 8, 2013.

“The commitments from the top two palm oil producers (Indonesia, Malaysia) to raise domestic biodiesel blend will ensure that the increase in palm oil supply in 2014 will be largely absorbed by biodiesel use, and hence keep inventory levels in check,” it said.

UOB Kay Hian Research said Malaysian palm oil inventory was 24.4% on-year lower at 1.99 million tonnes in 2013, lower than its expectation likely due to better-than-expected demand for palm oil in both domestic and export markets.

“Going into 2014, we expect inventory to stay in the range of 1.7 million to 2.1 million tonnes despite better CPO production of 19.4 million to 19.5 million tonnes on the back of better domestic demand for biodiesel use.