Exports from Odesa region ports may fall to 4 million tons per month due to Russian attacks

The total damage to port terminals from the shelling reached $1.5 billion, but budget resources are currently being directed at preparing the energy system for winter.

The government is aware of the problem of damage to port infrastructure due to Russian attacks, but budget resources are currently focused on preparing the energy sector for winter, when attacks on the energy system are expected to intensify. This was stated by Deputy Economy Minister Taras Vysotsky, Reuters reports.

Vysotsky warned that the increase in the number of attacks could reduce monthly grain deliveries by a third. Recently, the ports of the Odessa region have been processing about 6 million tons of cargo per month.

“Potentially, export volumes from Odessa ports could fall to 4 million tons per month due to the attacks. About 1 million tons could be redirected to the Danube terminals, but no more – logistics there are expensive,” the minister said.

Since the full-scale invasion began, private terminal operators have repeatedly suffered damage. According to Denis Marchuk, deputy head of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, the total damage to the terminals has already reached $1.5 billion, and they “really don’t have enough funds to rebuild.” In addition to buildings and warehouses, the ports use specialized equipment that is difficult to replace quickly.

He also added that a 30% drop in key export months would be a serious challenge. Ukraine is entering the new season with large carryover stocks, which will put pressure on domestic prices and reduce farmers’ incomes.

As USM reported, the Russian Federation attacked two civilian vessels as they exited ports in the Odesa region.