In week 13, in the Azov–Black Sea region, freight rates for the shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports remain at the level of USD 56 per ton. Persistently high bunker prices continue to keep freight rates high. Increased demand is noted for by-products such as meal and bran. In addition, charterers are beginning to calculate shipments from Russian river ports for mid-April.
It is worth noting that export duties on wheat have increased 3.7 times and, starting from March 25, will amount to 515.6 rubles per ton. Duty rates on barley and corn will remain at zero.
The inter-Baltic and freight markets on routes from Ust-Luga and Baltic countries continue to grow, and even the announced lifting of all ice restrictions in the port of Ust-Luga from April 27 will not improve the situation. Vessel operating costs remain high due to bunker fuel prices.