Russian govt increases quota to export ammonium nitrate by 300,000 tonnes

MOSCOW. March 27 (Interfax) - The Russian government has increased the export quota for ammonium nitrate by 300,000 tonnes through May 31, its press service said.

"This will allow mineral fertilizer producers to export surplus finished products, provided that the needs of the domestic market are met in full," it said.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a resolution on the matter. The decision comes into effect from the moment of its publication.

The total export quota for fertilizers until May 31 will exceed 12.6 million tonnes s a result.

The quota on ammonium nitrate exports was originally 225,000 tonnes from January 1-March 31 and 828,500 tonnes from April 1-May 31. It was raised by 365,000 tonnes at the end of January.

The government introduced nitrogen and compound mineral fertilizers export quotas on December 1, 2021 as a means of reining in price growth for food. The quotas have been raised several times and are now effective through May 31.

Russian government agencies are working on extending measures to restrict exports of certain types of fertilizer for another six months, until November 2023, Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev said on Friday.