PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUALA LUMPUR – Crude palm oil (CPO) futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended lower on Thursday (26/2/2026), weighed down by market concerns over a potential slowdown in export demand amid a firmer ringgit.
The stronger Malaysian currency has reduced the competitiveness of palm oil in the global market, making shipments relatively more expensive for overseas buyers and dampening short-term demand prospects.
At the close, the March 2026 contract fell RM63 to RM3,955 per ton. April 2026 declined RM50 to RM3,996 per ton, while May 2026 slipped RM48 to RM4,005 per ton, as quoted from Bernama.
Losses extended further along the curve. June 2026 dropped RM47 to RM4,006 per ton, July 2026 eased RM45 to RM4,003 per ton, and August 2026 retreated RM43 to RM3,998 per ton.
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The decline reflects a cautious market tone. In addition to currency movements, traders are closely monitoring competing vegetable oil prices and demand trends from key importing countries.
Despite the softer price trend, trading activity strengthened. Total volume rose to 61,228 lots from 59,677 lots on Wednesday. Open interest also climbed to 227,240 contracts from 221,625, suggesting fresh positioning and continued participation amid ongoing volatility.
In the physical market, CPO for March delivery in the Southern region fell RM40 to RM4,020 per ton, in line with futures market weakness.
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Meanwhile, Indonesia’s KPBN Inacom tender on Thursday (26/2/2026) showed Franco Belawan & Dumai closing at IDR 14,225/kg, while FOB Talang Duku was set at IDR 14,025/kg, indicating parallel softness in the domestic market. (P3)
