Caspian Sea Becomes Lifeline for Russian Wheat Exports to Iran
Russia and Iran are finding new ways to export grain due to disruptions in Black Sea shipping. Analysts say Iran has started importing Russian wheat through the Caspian Sea ports of Makhachkala and Astrakhan, bypassing the traditional route via the Black Sea.
Iran is Russia's largest buyer of wheat, with purchases estimated at 200,000 metric tonnes in the current marketing season. According to Alexander Sharov, director of RusIranExpo, Iran has increased its wheat imports from Russia, which is the world's largest exporter of wheat.
The Black Sea trade is being disrupted due to Ukrainian drone attacks, while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed during the Iran War. As a result, Russia's wheat exports to Iran via the Caspian Sea are expected to increase.