Ukraine’s rail exports of vegetable oils rise 56% in August

Ukraine significantly increased its exports of vegetable oils by rail in August amid ongoing problems with maritime logistics. During the first 18 days of the month, 71.9 thsd tons of vegetable oils were transported by rail for export, up 55.9% from the same period last year, RAIL.insider reported, citing Ukrainian Railways.

Compared with July, rail shipments of vegetable oils increased by 19.4%. The bulk of the volumes — 77% — was shipped through Ukraine’s western border crossings, while the remainder was transported toward ports.

In particular, around 9 thsd tons of vegetable oils were delivered by rail to the Danube ports of Izmail and Reni during the first 18 days of August. The western route therefore remains the key corridor for Ukraine’s vegetable oil exports by rail.

Rail exports of oilseed meal and cake totaled 104 thsd tons during the period, up 5.6% from July. However, shipments remained 13% below the level recorded during the same period last year.

Overland routes also dominated shipments of oilseed meal and cake, with 69% of volumes exported through western border crossings and another 31% transported toward ports. The growing role of Ukraine’s western border reflects the continued shift of oilseed product exports toward alternative logistics routes.

Tags: Ukraine, vegetable oils, export, rail transportation