The increasing reliance on green energy options has been pinpointed as one of the reasons behind a surge in the price of soft commodities, investments specialists may be interested to learn.

According to figures from investments organisation Clerical Medical , the value of soya oil has increased by 109 per cent since April 2002.

Also during the last five years, prices for palm oil have increased by 81 per cent, while corn has jumped 79 per cent and wheat has risen by 58 per cent.

Commenting on the findings, Tim Crawford, group economist at the financial services provider, suggested that increasing demand for biofuels and food in general were the main factors driving growth.

Soft commodities - wheat, corn, grain, sugar, palm oil and soya - have surged in value over the past few years, he affirmed.

History suggests commodity prices rise sharply when the world economy grows faster than average.

Last month, investments organisation Fidelity International unveiled a new speculator profiling tool on its website.

The software aims to define investors as belonging to one of eight categories in order to help identify ventures that meet their level of financing risk.