15/06/2010 (Solomon Star) - PALM oil production records a steady and mix growth in the month of April, according to the Central Bank monthly economic bulletin.

The bulletin recorded that fresh fruit bunches harvested during April totalled 11,573 tonnes, indicative of a 0.2% slow down from March.

Crude palm oil (CPO) production increased by 2% to 2,577 tonnes, to further the increase recorded in May, the report stated.

“Year to date output for CPO stands at 9,897 tonnes, a 28% improvement from 7,760 tonnes reported in the same period in 2009.

“Palm kernel oil (PKO) production grew by 10% to 299 tonnes.

“Compared to a year ago, this output is up 14%,” the bank stated in the bulletin.

Palm meal extracted during the month stood at 339 tonnes; this was a 9 % increase from March, the report added.

“The average international price for CPO fell 0.2% to US$830 (SBD$6530.00) per tonne from $US$832 (SBD$6532.00 ) per tonne in March.

 “In contrast, international prices for PKO rose 2.5% to US$1,020 (SBD$8024.00) per tonne at the end of the month,” the bulletin said.