289 



Oils and Fats. 



was contrary to general expectations, as it was believed that the trade during the 

 summer would be listless, as the view of reports were that the production of oil 

 and copra this year was to show a decided increase over that of last year. The 

 consumption of both copra and oil, however, abroad increased to such an extent 

 that the increase in the production was more than taken care of. This was 

 emphasized during the month of August, when prices ruled higher at &/<i>6%c., 

 owing to the strong statistical position of the primary market, owing to the pro- 

 duction of both copra and oil having dropped below the average. This was followed 

 by decided firmness in the primary and distributing markets, the former having 

 advanced several times, while the supplies were inadequate to meet the require- 

 ments of the trade. Heavy short sales were made here and abroad, which it was 

 believed amounted to over 2,000 tons and the squeezing of short interests was 

 looked for. 



INCREASED CONSUMPTION OP COPRA AND OIL. 

 The consumption of both copra and coconut oil has increased at an enormous 

 rate during the past few years, especially for edible purposes, and, consequently, 

 the supply consumed by the soap manufacturers was restricted. The conditions 

 governed the market up to the close of the year, which accounts for the high level 

 of prices throughout the last six months of the year, and there is no relief in sight 

 from the short supply before next spring, according to all information from the 

 primary market. 



The following table gives the high and low prices (in U.S.A. money) of 

 Ceylon coconut oil in this market each month during the past five years, and the 

 highest and lowest price for each year : — 



CEYLON COCONUT OIL. 

 1905. 1904. 1903. 1902. 1901. 



H. L. H. L. H. L. H. L. H. L. 



January 



February 



March 



April 



May 



June 



July 



August 



September 



October 



November 



December 



Year 



6 5| ... 5$ 5f ... 8 7| ... 5| 5i 

 64 6 ... 5i 54 ... 7f 71 ... 5.65 5.60 



6£ ... 5f 5§ ... 7f 7f ... 5.60 54 



Qi 6 ... 54 54 ... 7* 7i ... 5| 5| 



5f 5| ... 5* 54 ... 7| 7J ... 6 58 



6£ of ... 5* 51 ... 7£ 7} ... 6 5f 



6| 6 ... 5| 5i ... 74 7i ... 6 5£ 



64 6| ... 54 5 ... 7| 7 ... 6 6f 



64 6g ... 54 5§ ... 7 6f ... 6 5$ 



74 7 ... 54 5 ... 61 6 ... 7 6f 



7" 61 ... 5i 5 ... 64 6 ... 7* 6f 



6£ 64 ... of 5i ... 6| 6£ ... 11 74 



71 5f ... 5| 5 ... 8 6 ... 74 54 



COCHIN COCONUT OIL. 



Trade in this department was fairly good, and the volume of sales for the 

 year show an increase over those for 1901. Prices were firm and tended upward 

 throughout the year, owing to the light available supplies and the stronger and 

 higher reports from the primary markets. The usual difference iu the price of 

 Cochin and Ceylon oils is \c. per lb. in favor of the former oil owing to its superior 

 quality, and this margin was fairly well adhered to throughout the year. At the 

 opening of the year dealers quoted 7J@7fc. for spot, and there was an improved 

 inquiry for arrivals with sales at 6fc. Distant deliveries were held at 6 15-16@7c. 

 Owing to the scarcity of supplies, which increased in July, and in response to a 

 good demand, prices were firm at 74c and for parcels to arrive 6|@7c. was named, 

 which resulted in fair sales. In September the demand was invariable, but the 

 market showed decided firmness, due to a strong primary market. During October 

 parcels to arrive were advanced to 6gc. and upward and spot parcels ruled firm 

 with limited offerings at 74@7jC. which price ruled throughout the month of 

 December. Parcels to arrive were firmer and held at 6'80@7c. — Oil Reporter. 



