Global demand for vegetable oils is outstripping supply, leading to a significant increase in prices. Russian sunflower oil exports from Novorossiysk have seen an 11% monthly and over 40% annual increase, impacting domestic prices which have risen by 25% since September. This trend is expected to be further restrained by growing export duties. The price surge is due to biofuel mandates in the US and Indonesia, which have increased demand and decreased supply for the foreign market, causing a feeling of shortage and market panic. The rise in palm oil prices is also stimulating demand for sunflower oil.