Malaysian Palm Oil Council

Pakistan

Pakistan has a well established hydrogenation industry comprising of around 98 processing units with an installed capacity of 3.0 million tons with the facility to produce both vanaspati and edible grade liquid cooking oil. These units are registered members of Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA). The industry imports approximately 1.0 million tons of Malaysian palm oil every year. Pakistan edible oil industry contributes to more than Rs. 30 billion to the ex-chequer and is the second largest industry in the country.

Pakistan Edible oil industry has gone in to value addition and investments were made in setting up large scale physical refineries in Pakistan. The refinery business is not only creating value addition but has also contributed to the increase in volume of trade. The biggest refinery is a joint venture of Malaysia and Pakistan with the name of Mapak Edible Oil which has a capacity of 800 tons per day. The physical refining industry is represented by Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association (PEORA) which currently has 7 refining units as its members. Crude palm oil imports are on the rise as more than 400,000 tons were imported in 2006.

Palm oil in Pakistan is also consumed by non-edible sectors as well which includes oleochemicals and soap industry. The industry comprises of around 130 units in the country with installed capacity of around 250,000 tons. A set up of unorganised sector is also a significant element of this industry. Total consumption of beauty and bath soap in the country is around 100,000 tons per annum but the market for laundry soap bars is much bigger with yearly of around 250,000 to 300,000 tons. Almost 66,000 tons of palm fats were imported during 2006