PETALING JAYA: The plantation sector is well poised to be a net gainer as the current surge in energy prices supports more elevated crude palm oil (CPO) prices, with little impact on its food and biofuel-driven demand, say analysts. Both Kenanga Research and Apex Securities Research have upgraded the sector to “overweight” from neutral previously, given strong fundamentals ahead. Based on the average of March prices of RM4,356 per tonne, Apex Research noted that this brings its average 2026 CPO price assumption to RM4,400 per tonne. Note that many planters have tendered out and already locked in about half their 2026 fertiliser requirements at lower prices. It has also upgraded IOI Corp Bhd to an “outperform” with a higher target price of RM4.55 due to good FFB growth and higher CPO prices.

Source: The Star April 01, 2026 06:35 UTC