Turkish port explosion will not affect Russian grain exports - Exporters Union

MOSCOW. Aug 8 (Interfax) - The explosion of granaries in the Turkish port of Derince on Monday will not affect the export of Russian grain to Turkey, nor will it affect the country's food security, Eduard Zernin, chairman of the board of the Union of Grain Exporters, said.

"Any accident is, of course, a tragedy. However, there will be no impact on the supply of Russian grain to Turkey. It is unlikely that this incident will affect Turkey's food security, its provision with wheat and other grain crops," Zernin told Interfax.

The Turkish Grain Council has an extensive network of grain terminals and elevators, he said. "In addition, there is a significant number of private terminals and mills in the country, which, if necessary, can redirect large volumes of export flour to domestic consumption," he said.

Turkey became the number-one purchaser of Russian wheat in the 2022/2023 agricultural year, buying 9.2 million tonnes, which is 33.8% more than in the previous season (6.8 million tonnes), the Union said. Total Russian grain exports to Turkey increased 33.9% to 12.6 million tonnes from 9.4 million tonnes the previous season, also earning Turkey first place in the category.

As reported, on Monday, an explosion occurred in the port of Derince, located near Istanbul, as a result of which 13 structures were damaged. More than 10 people were injured. Preliminary information points to the possible detonation of grain dust as a cause.