Lang
Sunflower oil futures fell back below $1,340 a tonne, retreating from a near four-month high of $1,359 hit on 1 September, as the supply shortage that had earlier driven prices higher began to ease.
Global supplies of other vegetable oils have increased, giving buyers access to cheaper alternatives and reducing the pace at which they are stepping up demand for sunflower oil.
Crushing activity for palm oil and soybeans has picked up, while stocks at key export hubs have recovered, easing the overall balance of vegetable oil supplies.
Reports of a larger-than-expected autumn harvest in the Black Sea region, along with smoother export flows from other origins, have eased concerns over Ukrainian and Russian shipments.
At the same time, demand for blending and biofuel use has softened in major consuming regions, prompting processors to scale back their forward purchases.
Logistical problems that briefly constrained deliveries are also easing, allowing more oil to reach ports and refineries.