Russia halts exports of fertilizers due to 'sabotage' by foreign transporters

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's Industry and Trade Ministry suspended on Friday the exports of fertilizers, citing the obstacles created by foreign transportation companies for the deliveries as a reason.

The ministry said in a statement that "a range foreign logistics companies ... sabotage" deliveries of the Russian fertilizers and so it is better to wait for "the resumption of normal transportation and guarantees of delivery."

The ministry warned that Russian fertilizers are widely used worldwide and that preventing shipments creates risks of crop failure and, as a result, food shortages for the countries in Western and Eastern Europe, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia.

"Taking into account the current situation with the work of foreign logistics operators and the risks associated with it, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia was forced to recommend to Russian manufacturers to temporarily suspend the shipment of Russian fertilizers for export until the carriers resume rhythmic work and provide guarantees for the fulfillment of export deliveries of Russian fertilizers in full," the ministry noted.

Many foreign companies stopped or suspended cooperation with Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that began on Feb. 24.

The Russian war on Ukraine has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.