The grain agreement is operating at less than 20% capacity
9.06.2023 - 08:50
“Grain Initiative” is already operating at less than 20% of its normal throughput due to Russia’s position in the Joint Coordination Center.
The situation is getting worse every day, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Yurii Vaskov said in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine. According to him, from May 1 to June 8, only 43 vessels passed inspection at the entrance. On average, Russia passes a little more than one ship per day for inspection.
“Currently, 54 vessels are waiting, some of them have been waiting for inspection for more than three months. The South Port is not fully operational. If we talk in numbers, then the initiative is already working at less than 20% of its normal capacity,” said Vaskov.
The deputy minister said that the UN and Turkey have been informed about the situation, and negotiations are being conducted through them, but “currently there is no information that the situation can improve.”
Vaskov also commented on the possibility of transit of Russian ammonia in exchange for guarantees of normal operation of the Grain Agreement.
“The ammonia pipeline was damaged twice by shelling from the Russian side in the last three days. He is currently disabled. Only relevant experts will be able to say when it can be repaired, when they get access and it will be safe,” said Vaskov.
The photo is illustrative.
