Pakistan: Rising prices and reduced availability of Indonesian palm oil pose severe risks to food security and industries

The Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) on Tuesday said that the rising prices and reduced availability of palm oil from Indonesia pose severe risks to Pakistan’s food security and local industries. The PVMA delegation, led by its chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan, held a meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, highlighting critical challenges facing the edible oil industry and proposing measures to enhance its sustainability and global competitiveness. During the meeting, Sheikh Umer Rehan underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive edible oil policy to address Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imports, which currently account for 90% of the country’s edible oil consumption. “A robust policy is essential to boost local production and shield the economy from global market disruptions,” he emphasized. Rehan expressed concern over Indonesia’s new legislation mandating that 40% of palm oil be diverted to biodiesel production. He explained that this policy ...