More imports of palm oil likely
26/01/2011 (Bangkok Post) - The continuing palm cooking oil shortage makes it likely the government will allow additional imports of raw palm oil, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday.
Mr Abhisit said he had discussed the problem with his deputy for economic matters, Trairong Suwannakhiri, and it was agreed that more imports of raw palm oil are probably needed.
“the decision will rest with the national palm oil committee,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the national palm oil panel Suthep Thaugsuban said on Wednesday that he will call a meeting of the committee to discuss the problem next Tuesday, Feb 1.
Mr Suthep said he will invite Mr Trairong, Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul and Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai to attend the meeting, which will aim at a jointly agreed solution to the cooking oil shortage.
The cabinet previously approved the importation of 30,000 tonnes of raw palm oil from Malaysia to ease the situation. The import permission term will end on Jan 31.
Mr Suthep said his panel will consider whether to extend the import permission term. The committee will consider all related information, including individual manufacturer's demands for raw palm oil, before making any decision.