KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26: Malaysia’s crude palm oil futures ended mostly firmer on Tuesday, bolstered by short covering as the November contract resisted the charts’ downward pressure and stayed above the key 1,300 ringgit support level.

The new benchmark third-month November rose 14 ringgit to 1,319 ringgit ($347.11) a ton after trading as high as 1,320 ringgit. It had touched a low of 1,306 ringgit. Overall volume was moderate at 3,543 lots.

The slow process had frustrated some importers, who diverted cargoes to Pakistan, which is stocking up ahead of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan starting late October, they said.

In the physical market, the August contract for crude palm oil was offered at 1,410 ringgit a tonne against bids of 1,405 ringgit in the southern region. Deals were done at 1,400 to 1,405 ringgit. The August CPO for central was offered at 1,410 ringgit against bids of 1,400 ringgit. There were deals at 1,400 ringgit.—Reuters