Refined soybean oil traded higher in March as tight availability and competing demand supported firmer bids in Chicago. Early-month logistics bottlenecks limited arrivals to crushing hubs, keeping crush supplies tight, while mid-month policy moves and export activity renewed buying interest. The Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard prompted renewable diesel refiners to secure additional feedstock, and robust export demand from Mexico and South Korea helped move cargoes. Late-month CBOT strength added pressure on local offers as buyers sought prompt loads. The price dynamic reflected demand-driven upside, with renewables-related buying and targeted degummed oil purchases underpinning higher domestic bids, while export buyers remained active. Food-manufacturing restocking and a narrowing palm-oil discount provided further support, signaling a tightening backdrop for nearby supplies. March prices were up roughly eighteen percent from February, underscoring the momentum. Looking ahead, the outlook remains mixed but biased higher, with forecast gains in April and May before a moderation later in the season.
