Freight from Ukraine decreased despite the start of the grain season
22.06.2026 - 11:18
A drop in bunker prices of almost $200/t in two weeks and a surplus of tonnage in the Black Sea allowed charterers to maintain their advantage.
Grain transportation rates from Ukraine decreased by about $1/MT in both segments — “coasters” and “handy sizes”. Roll reports this to ASAP Agri.
As of the end of the week, “coasters” from the Danube to the Eastern Mediterranean were at around $38–39/MT, “handy sizes” from Black Sea ports to the ECI — around $22–23/MT.
Despite the revival among traders and interest in July indications, activity in the spot market remains limited due to weak cargo flow. Shipowners are trying to turn the market up and are announcing higher rates on the eve of the grain season.
However, the advantage remains with charterers. This is being driven by a surplus of tonnage in the Black Sea region and a sharp drop in bunker prices – around $200/MT in two weeks for MGO in Istanbul. As a result, charterers are concluding deals close to their own price targets.
Recently, USM wrote that freight from China to Europe has almost doubled in a month.
