Moldova may revise terms for Ukrainian grain transit

The Moldovan government will hold an expanded meeting on August 20 to discuss the transit of Ukrainian grain by rail through the country. Representatives of agricultural associations, relevant ministries and Moldovan Railways will take part in the talks.

One of the main issues will be ensuring priority access to rail transport for Moldovan farmers. The authorities also intend to find a mechanism that would prevent Ukrainian grain transit from affecting Moldova’s domestic agricultural market.

Five representatives of the Farmers’ Force association will participate in the meeting. The association previously called for a review of the 50% discount on rail transit tariffs for Ukrainian cargo through Moldova. Other agricultural associations have also been invited to ensure that any solution takes into account the interests of the broader sector.

Moldovan farmers are concerned that preferential terms for Ukrainian cargo could make it more difficult for local producers to access rail infrastructure. Farmers’ Force has demanded that the government address the issue by August 21 and warned of possible protests if no solution is reached.

Thus, the terms for Ukrainian agricultural transit through Moldova could be revised shortly after the 50% discount was introduced. For Ukraine, the route has become particularly important as one of the alternative channels for agricultural exports.

Tags: grain, Moldova, transit, rail transportation, Ukraine, export