No reports of Malaysian palm oil cargoes stuck in Indian ports: Trade body

NEW DELHI, Jan 22, 2020, FMT. The Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) of India said it has not received any reports of refined palm oil cargoes from Malaysia being held up at India’s ports over customs clearance, Free Malaysia Today reported.

SEA is a trade body representing India’s vegetable oil importers.

“We have not received any information from our members that their cargoes are being held up,” SEA executive director BV Mehta told Bernama.

Reuters had, citing anonymous sources, reported earlier that thousands of tonnes of refined palm oil were stuck at various Indian ports as the government had placed imports of RBD (refined, bleached and deodorised) palmolein on the “restricted” list of goods this month.

“Normally our members would inform us and seek help if they have problems with customs clearance,” Mehta said.

On Jan 8, India – the world’s largest importer of edible oil – had imposed curbs on refined palm oil of any origin to help domestic refiners.

Importers now need special government permission to acquire refined palm oil products.

Mehta said he was not aware if the government had issued any licence since the restrictions were imposed.

“There is no problem with crude palm oil. As for RBD palmolein, if the bill of lading was issued before the government order, the cargo should be cleared,” he said.

Media reports citing unnamed officials had suggested that the Indian government was upset with Malaysia over its Kashmir stance and had restricted palm oil imports from the country in protest.

However, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said last week the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had not put any curbs on imports from Malaysia or was considering such a move.