Shortage of bottled palm oil in Malaysia

06-Mar-2025 06:07 PM

The shortage of bottled palm oil in Malaysia, particularly in Johor Baru, has raised concerns among the local population. Despite Malaysia being the second-largest producer and exporter of palm oil globally, there is a significant shortage of packaged edible oil, particularly during the high-demand period of Ramadan.

Locals have expressed frustration, noting that the shortage has been ongoing for at least a month, and the situation has worsened with the approach of Eid ul Fitr.

The supply issues started at the beginning of the year, with supermarkets and ration shops reporting empty shelves and limited stock.

Consumers are now being forced to purchase more expensive alternatives, as even the smaller packs of edible oil (1 to 5 kg) are not available.

The price of crude palm oil (CPO) has also increased, from 4,000 ringgit per tonne in September 2024 to 4,300–4,500 ringgit per tonne now.

Despite this price hike, the supply chain remains constrained, with oil suppliers only fulfilling 25% of the requested orders in early 2025.

This problem is further compounded by the surge in demand during Ramadan. However, the government's response has been slow, as no formal complaints have been officially registered regarding the shortage, according to a government official.

The situation has become a source of concern for many, especially as it impacts both the preparation for religious observances and the daily lives of ordinary citizens