UCO trades as a specification, not as a ticker. Two cargoes from the same port on the same day can differ by 10–20% because FFA, MIU, origin, certification and delivery terms are different.
A quoted “UCO price” normally means a reference grade — commonly FFA ≤ 5%, MIU ≤ 2%, filtered, FOB a named port, in flexitank or ISO tank. Change any of those and the number moves.
| Component | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Base feedstock value | Tracks vegetable oil and energy values; the largest single driver |
| Quality differential | FFA, MIU, phosphorus, metals, colour — deducted or premium |
| Certification | ISCC-compliant chains carry a premium where the market requires it |
| Logistics | Inland collection, port storage, tank availability, freight, demurrage risk |
| Commercial terms | Incoterm, payment security, volume commitment, laycan |
Buyers compare UCO with the oil it replaces. When crude palm oil, soybean oil or tallow move, the acceptable UCO price moves with them, adjusted for conversion cost and yield. That is why a UCO quote is often expressed as a differential to a published benchmark rather than a flat number.
For a seller, the practical question is not “what is UCO worth today” but “what is my netback after freight, pretreatment and certification”. For a buyer, it is “what is my landed cost per tonne of finished fuel or oleochemical”.
Reference values compiled from public assessments. Indicative only — not an offer, and not a UCO quotation.
| Benchmark | Region | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Palm Oil (CPO) | Malaysia | 4,394.5 MYR/MT | 2026-10-27 |
| Urea (prill, AGU / AdBlue feedstock) | Middle East | 407.5 USD/MT | 2026-09 |
| Palm Oil (RBD) | Malaysia | 1,180.0 USD/MT | 2026-09 |
Updated weekly by our desk. See the Market Board for the current table and sources.
FOB, CIF or DDP; named port; flexitank, ISO tank or IBC; and the laycan. A CIF price without a port is not comparable.
FFA and MIU bands, plus any phosphorus, metal or colour limits. Ask which lab and which method will be used for the load-port analysis.
Is the ISCC declaration included, and does it match the physical parcel? A certificate that arrives after discharge is worth less than one that travels with the cargo.
How are out-of-spec parameters priced? Fixed formula, renegotiation, or rejection? Put it in the contract.
Because it would be wrong for most cargoes. We publish the reference benchmarks and quote the specific parcel against its specification and terms.
Continuously. A quotation is normally valid for 24–72 hours for spot parcels and longer for term contracts with a pricing formula.
Exposure can be managed against vegetable oil or energy benchmarks where the counterparty accepts a formula. We can structure the pricing basis; we do not provide financial advice.
Send your grade, volume, port and laycan. We will return an indicative level and the specification behind it.
