Ukraine faces a significant financial threat due to unresolved issues in agricultural logistics and port blockades, potentially losing up to $5 billion in export revenue. The crisis could leave around 30 million tons of crops trapped within the country, as discussed during a round table event involving the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and bank representatives.
The largest financial blow is expected in the oil sector, with projected losses of $2-3 billion. A major contributing factor is the sharp rise in transportation costs, which now exceed 60 euros per ton. These elevated expenses have made grain exports unprofitable for some producers.
Transportation challenges extend beyond maritime routes. Russian strikes, wear and tear, and high repair costs have rendered about half of the locomotive fleet non-operational. Damage to railway infrastructure further complicates the movement of goods to Danube ports. Road transport cannot fully compensate for the railway shortages due to a lack of drivers, exacerbated by mobilization and worker reservations.
The limited export opportunities have also led to a shortage of storage capacities for agrarians, compounding the logistical and financial strain on the sector.