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Russia expected to ask Belarus, Kazakhstan to impose temporary ban on grain exports

Russia is expected to request Belarus and Kazakhstan to impose a temporary ban on the export of grain and flour, BelaPAN reports.

By its August 5 directive, the Russian government banned the export of wheat, barley, rye, sweet corn, and wheat and wheat and rye flour starting August 15. The ban will be effective until December 31.

Under the directive, a proposal for Belarus and Kazakhstan to impose similar bans is to be submitted to the Commission of the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia.

An estimated five million hectares of crops have been destroyed by unusually hot and dry weather in Russia in the last few weeks. Grain prices in the country have increased by between 50 and 100 percent as a result. The prices have risen by between 30 and 40 percent in the international market.