Russia Redirects Grain Exports Amid Black Sea Disruptions

Russia is redirecting its grain exports to the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region due to disruptions caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on shipments through the Black Sea, according to sources cited by Reuters. The Ultramar terminal in Ust-Luga has started receiving grain, with a capacity of 37 million tonnes, and has already received rail shipments totaling approximately 260,000 tonnes for September destinations including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The Demetra company's grain flows are expected to be redirected to the Ultramar terminal. The Modul and BSMZ terminals at the port of St. Petersburg have also started handling grain exports. Russian Railways has given priority to shipments bound for the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region, which are benefiting from state subsidies.

The port of Murmansk plans to begin grain exports in October, with an initial 40,000-tonne cargo from the Stavropol region already approved. Russia's grain exports have decreased by 31% compared to last year, totaling 4.4 million tonnes in July and August.