Sunflower oil prices in Ukraine hit four-year high
Sunflower oil prices in Ukraine have been rising for the fourth consecutive week. As of April 22, demand in ports reached $1,320/t CPT, the highest level in the past four years, according to APK-Inform.
Over the past month, prices have increased by an average of $30/t. The key drivers include rising crude oil and vegetable oil prices on the global market—particularly palm and soybean oil—as well as limited sunflower supply in Ukraine and higher domestic prices.
According to Maksym Kutkovskyi, owner of brokerage company Maxigrain, the market remains firm.
“FOB indications are holding at $1,350–1,360/mt and are gradually moving upward amid restrained farmer selling and controlled processing rates. This creates a situation where sellers are not rushing to enter the market, while buyers are facing firmer offers for nearby shipments,” he said.
Sunflower seed on the domestic market is trading at around $830/t DAP plant, forcing processors to take a more cautious approach to procurement and operate within tight margins.
On the European market, delivered and FOB prices are holding in the range of $1,455–1,480/t, with a premium of $100–120/t over the Black Sea.
Meanwhile, Argentina is offering oil for May–July shipment at $1,290–1,300/t FOB, making it the cheapest forward origin.
Thus, the market is balancing between a more expensive prompt segment in the Black Sea region and more competitive forward supply from South America.
