Russian AgMin to extend restrictions on exporting mineral fertilizer if necessary

SOCHI. May 27 (Interfax) - Russia's Agriculture Ministry intends to extend the restriction on exporting mineral fertilizer if necessary, though the goals of the domestic market are the priority, Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev said at the All-Russia Grain Forum in Sochi on Friday.

Due to volatility on the fertilizer market, the government has had to adopt a number of restrictive measures, Patrushev said. "Temporary quantitative restrictions on exports of individual types of mineral fertilizers have been introduced. And in order to provide for next year's sowing campaign, this decision has been extended until the end of this year. We'll see how it works, but the subject isn't closed. If necessary, we'll initiate further extension of this decision," he said.

A new plan for getting mineral fertilizers to Russian farmers is currently being prepared, as the existing one expires on May 31, Patrushev said. "I'll say right away that a new plan also indicating the geography and volumes of supplies to specific agricultural producers in the regions is being prepared for confirmation, moreover with reference to specific production plants," he said.

Russian chemical companies plan to increase fertilizer production in 2022, Patrushev said. "This is critically important in the current conditions. This will allow us to supply the domestic market and please our comrades abroad with the ability to acquire our fertilizers. Priority will, of course, be given to the domestic market, taking into account the decisions adopted," he said.