Abnormal weather conditions in Russian sea ports halt grains shipment

Water level drop in the Azov basin stopped navigation in the Russian ports of Azov and Rostov-on-Don last week. As a result, export shipments from small ports have stopped, and many terminals have limited grain receiving last week, Refinitiv Agriculture reports.

Strong north-east winds have led to a sharp drop in water levels in the Russian ports of the Azov basin, thus hindering navigation. As market operators inform, in separate parts of the Azov coastline the water level is 1-2 m below the minimum level.

"Ships are on standby until weather and water level normalize. There is practically no trade, yet quotations have strengthened," traders report.

As reported by exporters, port warehouses do not yet have the capacity to store delivered grain. Companies purchase grain as usual, however, with delayed delivery.

As a reminder, Ukraine has exported 23.78 mln t of staple grains since the start of 2019/20.