THE Shanghai Futures Exchange said yesterday it would “vigorously investigate abnormal transactions” and curb unreasonable price swings amid recent large moves in commodities prices in China.

This comes on the heels of China’s top economic planner saying it would strengthen price controls on major commodities in its five-year plan, and domestic exchanges taking measures like raising trading limits and margin requirements to tame runaway prices.

Commodities prices in the world’s second-biggest economy have seen big swings this year, driven by post-pandemic demand recovery, global liquidity easing and speculative trading.

The Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) will “closely track market changes, vigorously investigate abnormal transactions and malicious speculation, take timely targeted measures … curb unreasonable price fluctuations,” chairman Jiang Yan said at the 18th Shanghai Derivatives Market Forum.

The exchange aims to “improve the efficiency of market supervision and governance” as measures to “prevent and resolve major financial risks,” the chairman added.

On plans for crude oil options, Jiang said they will be listed June 21 on the SHFE’s subsidiary, the Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), and be open to international traders for participation.

China’s crude oil futures contract is already listed on the INE.

The INE said May 6 that it would conduct a mock test of crude oil options trading from May 10 to May 21. On the same day, it said that it had drafted crude oil options contract specifications and had sought public consultation.

The SHFE will speed up the listing of other contracts including alumina, ferrochrome, synthetic rubber, refined oil, natural gas, naphtha, corrugated paper, woodfree paper and electric power, Jiang said at the forum.

(SD-Agencies)