Black Sea Grain Exports Threatened by Ukrainian Drone Attacks

Russia's main grain lobby group has warned that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports could shut down Black Sea grain exports in the near future, pushing up prices and causing hunger in Africa and the Middle East.

Concerns over supplies from the Black Sea have driven wheat prices higher as Russia and Ukraine have stepped up their attacks. The Union of Grain Exporters and Producers said Ukrainian attacks on dry cargo vessels and port infrastructure pose a direct threat to global food security.

The union warned that a complete blockage of export corridors in the Black Sea basin could soon lead to a physical shortage of grain, triggering a protracted global crisis. It predicted that wheat prices would rise to between $340 and $370 per ton, with the prospect of exceeding $400, leading to widespread food inflation.

The Middle East and Africa are most at risk from the fallout as they depend on supplies from the Black Sea basin. The union warned that a significant decline in domestic consumption could lead to famine in poor countries.