Black Sea Attacks Disrupt Grain and Oil Supplies

A surge in attacks on ships and export terminals in the Black Sea is disrupting global supplies of grain and oil, turning the region into a strategic trade chokepoint.

The Black Sea is a vital route for shipments of grain, crude oil, and refined products. Russia and Ukraine share its waters with Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, and Turkey.

Russia, the world's largest wheat exporter, has intensified attacks on Ukrainian agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels in the Black Sea area. Ukraine has also targeted tankers involved in Russia's oil trade.

The escalation is affecting trade flows, with Russian shipping group FESCO suspending new shipment orders via the Black Sea after one of its vessels was hit by a Ukrainian drone attack.