Ukraine temporarily suspends Black Sea grain corridor

Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor that has so far transported 700,000 tonnes of grain was temporarily suspended on Oct. 26 due to a threat from Russian warplanes and sea mines, Reuters reported, citing Barva Invest consultancy and a British security firm.

The suspension of vessel traffic to and from the ports was in force on Oct. 26, but it is possible that it could be extended.

The temporary corridor was opened in August following Russia’s departure from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had allowed for the safe passage of 32 million tonnes of grain since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Barva Invest, which specializes in Ukraine’s agriculture sector, said a de facto suspension already had been in place for two days due to increased Russian air force activity in the area.

Ukraine’s new corridor does not go directly toward the Bosphorus Strait as it did under the initiative but hugs the coastlines of Ukraine and NATO members Romania and Bulgaria.

Most exports are continuing to move via the Danube River via Romania. In September, 2.3 million tonnes of agricultural products were exported via the Danube Ports.

Overall, 3.6 million tonnes of agricultural products were exported in September, including road and rail routes.

Mykola Solskyi, Ukraine’s minister of agrarian policy and food, said at least 6 million tonnes needs to be exported per month. He said volume can only be ensured by restoring the full operation of the deep-water ports of Odesa.

Source: World-Grain.com

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