11.22.2024
Biodiesel margins rise, but window of opportunity limited
Biodiesel margins continued to rise during the week to Friday November 22. The bean oil/heating oil (BOHO) spread boosted margins by falling to its lowest level since August 27.
Plunge in Crude Oil Drives Vegetable Oil Prices Lower
Vegetable oil prices dropped sharply on Friday as plunging crude oil prices caught traders’ attention. Crude oil fell nearly four percent, which left the benchmark October contract below the psychologically critical $40-per-barrel level. The decline in crude oil prices during the week was the largest weekly drop since June. Concerns about a slower-than-expected economic recovery and the lack of progress in negotiations for another stimulus package have driven the move lower. Also, slowing domestic gasoline demand and rising distillate inventories in Asia have also contributed to the bearish tone in the crude oil market.
Soybean oil prices dropped nearly 1 1/4 percent (December contract +40 basis points per pound). Selling at the 33.5-cent level and the continued fund liquidation of long oil share positions…