26/12/2007 (The Hindu Business Line), Mumbai - Import of palm group of oils through any port in Kerala has been banned. A notification dated December 24, 2007 issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (under the Ministry of Commerce) has modified the import policy.

Accordingly, palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined but not chemically modified, can be imported into the country subject to condition that import will not permitted through any port in Kerala.

Earlier, import through Kochi was banned; and now, it is extended to all ports in the State. Palm group of oils include palm oil, palmolein and palm kernel oil.

This restriction is unlikely to make any big difference to the market in terms of availability and prices, according to traders. This is because instead of direct import through Kerala based ports, palm oils will flow into the State from neighbouring States such as Tamil Nadu. This will merely add to the cost of the food product within Kerala.

Adverse Effect
The Kerala Government is believed to be concerned about the adverse effect of palm oil imports on coconut oil prices. Interestingly, palm oil prices are ruling at record levels. The only effect of this restriction is that Kerala consumers will have to pay a much higher price for their cooking oil, commented a trader.