The cost of loaded grain on a ship in Constanta, Romania, is already at least 60% more expensive due to the blockade of Ukrainian ports. Logistics in the direction of the Baltic States is currently being studied. That is why Ukraine is asking for help from all over the world in unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain.
This was announced at a briefing by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solskyi, LB correspondent reports.
"The price (of Ukrainian grain through the supply of alternative routes) depends on the route. If we look at the price in Ukrainian Danube ports and the price of shipped grain on a ship in Constanta (Romania), it is about a plus at least 60% more expensive," he said.
According to him, last week the price of corn in the Black Sea and the Baltic was plus or minus 320 euros (per ton), in Ukraine - the benchmark is $ 200. Everything else is eaten up by logistics. The same price of grain is in the Baltic ports. Which is trying to get there.
The exact additional costs of new logistics due to port blockades in Ukraine are still unknown.
"What will be the cost of logistics? Now the routes will go, let's look at turnover, how it works, how much money logistics will take. Then we will say: how much it will be more expensive for the Baltic countries," he said.
The Minister emphasized the need to assist all countries in unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain.
"We have a request for help from the EU. These are direct grants. Given that it will take some time, it can be used for a winter sowing campaign in late summer, early autumn next year. There are some small and targeted programs, for example, from Canada for sowing buckwheat, because we have a shortage. Because at one time we took sowing materials in Belarus. The ship will be loaded in Montreal by the end of this week. If we talk about global issues, this Thursday a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of Germany will take place. Let's see what they offer. But I do not expect any cardinal things to help," he emphasized.
According to the Minister, Ukraine is asking Poland to set up additional round-the-clock posts for quarantine and phytosanitary control in order to speed up traffic. Also, he asks to transfer items for transit grain.
In his speech, the Minister stated that the consequences of blocking Ukrainian ports will be global for the whole world.
Solskyi also said that the occupiers had exported up to 500,000 tons of grain to the Crimea, and Ukraine's losses amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars.
According to the Minister, Ukraine has sown 25-30% fewer crops than last year. The volume of spring corn has been reduced, and farmers are switching to cheaper crops due to problems with logistics, fuel, and equipment.