With surging crude oil prices driven by the conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Malaysian government is planning to introduce a phased expansion of its 20% palm oil-based biodiesel (B20) programme nationwide, according to a Reuters report quoting Plantation and Commodities Minister Noraini Ahmad.

India’s oilseed sector is undergoing a shift with rapeseed expected to be the top oilseed for a second year, driven by sustained price advantages over soyabeans, according to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.

Global vegetable oil prices increased for the third consecutive month in March due to higher quotations for palm, soya, sunflower and rapeseed oils, according to the benchmark United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index (FFPI) released on 3 April.

Ukrainian agribusiness Kernel Holding has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of agricultural holding company Enselco Holding for US$348M.

The US animal fats market has moved from being priced as a byproduct to being priced like an energy feedstock, according to a 2 April report by commodity price reporting agency Fastmarkets.

German chemical and biotech giant BASF is hoping to win approval from Canadian and US agencies for its drought-resistant genetically modified (GM) mustard plant, according to a Reuters report.

Thai edible oil company Thanakorn Vegetable Oil Products (TVOP) has introduced laser-powered plastic blowing technology in its bottling system, Food-Drink&Innovations wrote.

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is monitoring China’s alleged retaliation against Panama-flagged vessels for its effect on global shipping, FreightWaves writes.

A research team in the UK has developed a flavourless pea as an alternative soya protein, the Observer reported.

US President Donald Trump announced on 7 April that a ceasefire had been agreed with Iran on condition that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, according to a BBC report on the same date.

Global agribusiness giant Cargill is adding a new speciality fats production line to its edible oil plant in Port Klang, Malaysia, amid rising demand in the Asia-Pacific region.

China’s health authority detected irregularities in 80% of shipments of Uruguayan soyabeans during inspections in 2025, ambito reported.

Italian textile manufacturer Brugnoli has developed a fabric derived from up to 89% renewable sources, including castor oil, World Bio Markets Insights wrote.