Bulk Citronella Oil Wholesale from Indonesia: Price, MOQ & How to Order

If you are looking for bulk citronella oil — whether for insect repellent formulations, personal care products, candles, soap, or industrial fragrance — Indonesia is the single most important source you need to know. Indonesia, specifically the Java island, produces what the global industry calls "Java-type" citronella oil from Cymbopogon winterianus — the higher-quality, more commercially valued of the two main citronella types traded internationally.

This guide covers everything an importer, formulator, or procurement manager needs before placing a bulk order: what makes Java citronella oil different from Ceylon type, the full technical specification, what drives citronella oil price, realistic MOQ and packaging options, how to verify a supplier, and how to order directly from a verified Indonesian manufacturer. If you want to go straight to our product page, Global Essential Oil's Citronella Essential Oil is available here.

→ How to Source Essential Oils from Indonesia — Importer's Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Java Citronella Oil vs Ceylon Citronella: Why Origin Matters

Not all citronella oil is the same. The global citronella oil market is dominated by two distinct types, derived from different species of the Cymbopogon genus — and understanding this difference is essential before placing any bulk order:

Characteristic	Java Type (Indonesia)	Ceylon Type (Sri Lanka)
Botanical Species	Cymbopogon winterianus	Cymbopogon nardus
Primary Origin	Java, Indonesia (also India, China)	Sri Lanka
Citronellal Content	32–45% — significantly higher	8–15% — much lower
Geraniol Content	12–18%	18–22%
Citronellol Content	11–15%	12–15%
Aroma Profile	Stronger, fresher, more citrus-forward	Milder, grassier, less intense
Commercial Value	Higher — preferred by most industries	Lower — less effective for repellent applications
Insect Repellent Efficacy	More effective (higher citronellal)	Less effective
Price Tier	Higher per kg but more cost-effective by performance	Lower price but lower active compound content
Industry Preference	Fine fragrance, cosmetics, repellent, soap, candle	Budget fragrance, lower-grade repellent

When buyers specify "citronella oil" without clarifying type, most professional suppliers default to Java type. If you receive citronella oil with unusually low citronellal content (below 25%), there is a strong chance you received Ceylon type or an adulterated oil — always specify "Java citronella oil, Cymbopogon winterianus" in your purchase order.

Why Indonesian Java Citronella Oil is the Industry Standard
Indonesia's Java island has been cultivating Cymbopogon winterianus for over a century, developing a deep agricultural tradition that produces consistently high citronellal content oils. The combination of Java's volcanic soil, tropical humidity, and experienced distillation network gives Indonesian citronella oil a quality profile that competing origins — particularly newer producers in China and India — have struggled to replicate consistently. For buyers who specify "Java type", Indonesia is the primary and most reliable source.

Technical Specifications: What to Verify Before You Order

Every bulk shipment of citronella oil should come with a batch-specific COA (Certificate of Analysis) confirming the following parameters. Use these as your quality benchmarks when evaluating any supplier:

Parameter	Java Citronella Specification	Why It Matters
Botanical Name	Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt	Confirms Java type — not Ceylon (C. nardus)
CAS Number	8000-29-1	Standard regulatory identifier
Plant Part	Leaves (fresh or partly dried)	Leaves only — not stems which produce inferior oil
Extraction Method	Steam distillation	Standard method — CO₂ extraction exists but rare for citronella
Citronellal Content	32 – 45%	Primary active compound — key quality & repellency indicator
Geraniol Content	12 – 18%	Fragrance quality indicator — floral-rosy character
Citronellol Content	11 – 15%	Secondary active compound for fragrance and repellency
Geranyl Acetate	3 – 8%	Contributes sweet, floral facets to aroma profile
Colour	Pale yellow to yellowish-brown liquid	Visual QC — should match stated specification
Specific Gravity (20°C)	0.880 – 0.910	Purity check — deviation indicates adulteration
Refractive Index (20°C)	1.466 – 1.476	Optical confirmation of genuine Java citronella profile
Optical Rotation	(−) 1° to (−) 15°	Detects adulteration with synthetic citronellal or other oils
Flash Point	Approx. 75–80°C	Important for shipping classification (DG) and candle use
Shelf Life	24 months (stored correctly)	Plan inventory — oxidation affects repellent efficacy over time
Storage	Cool, dark, sealed container	Prevents citronellal degradation and aroma change

For guidance on reading and interpreting COA and GCMS reports before confirming any bulk purchase, see our detailed guide: Understanding COA & GCMS Reports in Essential Oil Trading.

⚠️ The Most Common Adulteration in Citronella Oil
Synthetic citronellal is widely available and cheap — making citronella oil one of the most frequently adulterated essential oils in the market. Adulteration is detected via GCMS analysis: the compound ratio between citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol in a genuine Java citronella is distinctive, and synthetic additions distort this ratio. The optical rotation value will also be outside the expected range for adulterated oil. Always request GCMS alongside the COA — never accept a COA alone for citronella oil bulk orders.

What Is Citronella Oil Used for in Industry?

Citronella oil's high citronellal and geraniol content give it a remarkably broad range of industrial applications — making it one of the most versatile essential oils for bulk buyers to carry in their product portfolio.

Industry	Application	Recommended Usage Rate	Key Benefit
Insect Repellent	Body spray, lotion, wristband, candle, diffuser	2 – 5% in body products; 3–8% in candles	High citronellal = proven mosquito repellent efficacy
Personal Care / Cosmetics	Deodorant, body wash, shampoo, toner, lotion	0.5 – 2.0%	Antibacterial, astringent, natural fresh fragrance
Soap Manufacturing	Bar soap (cold/hot process), liquid soap	1.0 – 2.5%	Stable in alkaline environment; clean citrus aroma
Candle & Home Fragrance	Scented candle, reed diffuser, wax melt	3 – 8%	Strong hot and cold throw; natural insect repellent bonus
Fine Fragrance	Top note in fragrance compositions	0.5 – 2.0%	Fresh, citrus-grassy opening note — complements floral & woody bases
Household Cleaning	Surface cleaner, disinfectant, air freshener	1.0 – 3.0%	Natural antimicrobial; fresh citrus scent profile
Agricultural / Pest Control	Natural pesticide formulations, plant protection	2 – 5%	EPA-registered as biochemical pesticide ingredient
Aromatherapy	Diffusion, massage blend, wellness products	1 – 3% in carrier oil	Uplifting, stress-relieving, mood-enhancing properties

Market Opportunity: Year-Round Demand
Unlike some essential oils with highly seasonal demand, citronella oil benefits from multiple demand drivers across different seasons. Insect repellent demand peaks in summer/warm months in North America and Europe. Aromatherapy and personal care demand is year-round. Cleaning product demand is consistent. This multi-seasonal demand profile makes bulk citronella oil a lower-risk inventory purchase compared to single-application oils.

→ Lemongrass Essential Oil — Product Page

Citronella Oil Price: What Drives Wholesale Pricing

When buyers ask about citronella oil price, the honest answer is: it depends on several variables that need to be understood before comparing quotes from different suppliers. Here is what drives citronella oil wholesale pricing:

Citronellal content specification: Higher minimum citronellal % = higher price per kg. A buyer specifying 'citronellal ≥40%' will pay more than one accepting ≥32% — but receives a higher-performance oil. Be precise in your specification.

Volume / order size: Standard tiered pricing applies — 25kg jerrycan order will have a higher per-kg rate than a 180kg drum order. Multi-drum orders or annual contracts receive the best pricing.

Harvest season timing: Indonesian citronella is harvested primarily between May–October. Pricing is most competitive immediately post-harvest. Off-season orders (November–March) may face 10–20% price premiums due to lower stock availability.

Java vs Ceylon type: Java type (Cymbopogon winterianus) trades at a premium over Ceylon type due to its superior citronellal content and more versatile applications. Always confirm which type is being quoted.

Certification requirements: Orders requiring Halal certification, USDA Organic certification, or IFRA compliance documentation may carry a small premium reflecting the certification administration cost.

Packaging type: Aluminium drum (180kg) pricing per kg is lower than jerrycan (25kg) pricing. IBC tank orders (1,000kg+) receive the best bulk pricing.

Requesting a Competitive Quote
To receive the most accurate and competitive citronella oil price quote, provide your supplier with: (1) Volume in kg — be specific about your order size. (2) Citronellal minimum % — your quality requirement. (3) Packaging preference — drum or jerrycan. (4) Required certifications — Halal, MSDS, COA, GCMS. (5) Destination port and Incoterms preference — FOB or CIF. A reputable manufacturer can provide a formal quotation with price validity period within 1–2 business days of receiving this information.

MOQ, Packaging & How to Order Bulk Citronella Oil

Minimum Order Quantity

Indonesian citronella oil manufacturers and wholesalers typically offer the following order tiers:

Sample order: 50–200ml — for quality evaluation, COA/GCMS verification, and formulation testing before bulk commitment. Always start with a sample.
Small bulk (trial order): 5–25kg in aluminium jerrycans — ideal for first bulk order or when testing a new supplier
Standard bulk: 180kg in one aluminium drum — industry standard for single-product bulk shipments
Large bulk: 500kg–1,000kg+ in multiple drums or IBC tank — for high-volume buyers, candle manufacturers, and industrial users

Shipping restriction note: Citronella oil is classified as a flammable liquid (DG Class 3) due to its flash point (approx. 75–80°C). This means it cannot be shipped by air freight in large quantities — it must be shipped by sea freight or, for small samples, via ground courier services with appropriate DG declaration. Always confirm shipping method with your freight forwarder before ordering.

Packaging Options

Packaging	Capacity	Best For	Notes
Aluminium Jerrycan	5 – 25 kg	Small bulk, trial orders, multi-product shipments	Non-reactive with citronella; light and manageable
Aluminium Drum	180 kg	Standard bulk — single product shipments	Industry standard; IATA/IMDG-compliant for sea freight
IBC Tank	1,000 kg	High-volume industrial buyers	Most cost-effective per kg; requires dedicated container logistics
Amber Glass (sample)	50 – 500 ml	Sample evaluation before bulk order	UV-protected; prevents premature oxidation of citronellal

Citronella Oil vs Lemongrass Oil: Which Should You Buy?

A question frequently asked by formulators and buyers: what is the difference between citronella oil and lemongrass oil? Both are from the Cymbopogon genus, both have fresh citrus-like aromas, and both are produced in Indonesia. But they are functionally different ingredients with different primary applications:

Characteristic	Citronella Oil (Java)	Lemongrass Oil
Botanical Species	Cymbopogon winterianus	Cymbopogon citratus or flexuosus
Primary Active	Citronellal (32–45%)	Citral — geranial + neral (70–85%)
Aroma Profile	Fresh, grassy-citrus, slightly rosy	Sharper, more intensely lemon-forward
Insect Repellent Efficacy	Strong — citronellal is the primary repellent compound	Moderate — citral has some repellent activity
Cosmetic Application	Deodorant, soap, body wash, repellent lotion	Skincare (acne, toner), hair care, natural fragrance
Fragrance Character	Softer, more complex — used as top note in perfumery	More intense citrus — used for fresh fragrance applications
Price Comparison	Generally similar price range per kg	Comparable — varies by origin and citral content
Best For	Insect repellent, soap, candle, deodorant	Cosmetics, hair care, fine fragrance, food flavour

Many brands carry both oils in their product range — citronella for repellent and outdoor products, lemongrass for skincare and cosmetics. Both are produced by Global Essential Oil from Indonesian origins and can be sourced together in a single order. See: Lemongrass Essential Oil — Product Page and Lemongrass Oil Benefits for Cosmetics — Formulator's Guide.

How to Verify a Citronella Oil Supplier Before Buying

Citronella oil's susceptibility to adulteration — and the relatively large number of brokers operating in this category — makes supplier verification critical before any bulk purchase. Here is a concise verification checklist:

Verification Step	What to Check	Red Flag
Request batch-specific COA	Citronellal %, specific gravity, refractive index, optical rotation — all on same batch number as physical goods	Generic undated COA or batch number mismatch
Request GCMS report	Compound ratio between citronellal, geraniol, citronellol must match Java type specification	Unusual compound ratios — signs of synthetic citronellal addition
Confirm species: C. winterianus	COA botanical name must say Cymbopogon winterianus — not C. nardus (Ceylon type)	'Citronella oil' listed without species — possible Ceylon type
Verify Halal certificate	MUI Indonesia certification — verify at halalmui.org	Certificate in different company name or unverifiable
Check DUNS number	Verify business credentials at dnb.com — confirms established manufacturer	Cannot provide or number unverifiable
Request facility video call	Any legitimate manufacturer will accommodate remote verification	Refuses or 'facility' is an office/residence
Sample before bulk	Always test citronellal content + aroma in lab before committing to full order	Any supplier who discourages sample orders

→ Understanding COA & GCMS Reports — Detect Adulteration Before Ordering

Blending Guide: Citronella Oil with Other Indonesian Essential Oils

Citronella blends exceptionally well with other Indonesian essential oils available from Global Essential Oil, enabling single-supplier sourcing with unified documentation:

Lemongrass Oil at 1:1 — classic natural insect repellent blend; intensifies citrus freshness. Best for outdoor products and repellent formulations.
Patchouli Oil (Light grade) at 1:4 (patchouli:citronella) — grounding earthy base under the fresh citrus; excellent for natural men's grooming and outdoor personal care products.
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) as carrier at 3–5% citronella in VCO — skin-safe repellent body oil; VCO's mild scent complements citronella's freshness without competing.
Eucalyptus Oil at 1:2 (eucalyptus:citronella) — enhanced insect repellent with cooling effect; ideal for sports and outdoor products.
Cedarwood Oil at 1:3 (cedarwood:citronella) — woody-citrus masculine fragrance accord for soap and men's personal care.

Buy Citronella Essential Oil in Bulk from Global Essential Oil

As one of Indonesia's largest essential oil manufacturers, Global Essential Oil produces Java-type citronella oil (Cymbopogon winterianus) from our cultivation and distillation networks across Java. Here is what differentiates our citronella offering:

Species guaranteed: Cymbopogon winterianus (Java type) — every COA specifies botanical name and species
Citronellal content: Minimum citronellal % confirmed in batch-specific COA — not a generic document
GCMS report: Full compound fingerprint provided for every bulk order — adulteration-free verification
Halal certified (MUI): Verifiable at halalmui.org — required for Middle East, Malaysia, and Muslim-market formulations
DUNS registered: Verified manufacturer credentials — not a broker or trader
Flexible MOQ: From 50ml sample to 180kg drum — no minimum commitment to get started with a sample
MSDS/SDS provided: Required for DG shipping compliance and customs clearance
Complementary oils available: Lemongrass, patchouli, VCO, and 15+ other Indonesian essential oils — single documentation set for multi-product orders

Also available: private label citronella-based products — repellent sprays, scented candles, body care products formulated with citronella oil under your brand name. See: Private Label Essential Oil Manufacturing from Indonesia.

Request a Citronella Oil Sample + COA & GCMS Report
Contact our team to request a Java citronella oil sample (Cymbopogon winterianus) with full batch-specific COA, GCMS compound profile, MSDS, and Halal certificate. Ready to discuss bulk pricing? Tell us your volume, citronellal specification, and destination — we respond within 1 business day.
→ Contact Global Essential Oil — Request Citronella Sample & Wholesale Quote Now

Go directly to our Citronella Essential Oil product page for full specifications, or explore our complete range of Indonesian essential oils.