Philippines to investigate illegal use of palm oil displacing coconut oil for biodiesel

In the Philippines, the Manila Standard newspaper reports that the Office of the President has asked the agriculture ministry to investigate the alleged illegal use of imported palm oil that is displacing domestic coconut oil production for biodiesel and cooking oil. The imports are less expensive than the domestic oil and are having a negative effect on coconut producers. The president’s request was prompted by a letter from the Federation of Philippine Industries urging a government response to the imports.