Black Sea attacks hit yellow peas supplies

In recent months, Russia's exports of yellow peas to India have paused due to attacks on its Black Sea ports during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, causing prices to soar by over 10%. Sunflower oil shipments have also suffered, potentially making them more expensive than other cooking oils, according to importers. Russia, the world's largest producer of yellow peas, has not sent any shipments since early this year.

Canada, the second-largest producer, has raised prices. In India, wholesale prices of yellow peas have climbed to ₹46 per kg from around ₹40 over the past two months.

Russia has redirected its grain exports to northern Baltic Sea ports, but importers note that wheat shipments take priority, leaving yellow peas with little room to be exported. The IPGA has urged Russian authorities to permit some cargo from northern ports. Despite a 30% import duty, the drop in import volume, and higher international yellow pea prices, domestic prices have risen moderately, though yellow peas remain the most affordable pulse in the country. If imports from Russia resume, prices could drop by ₹4-5/kg.

The supply of sunflower oil from Ukraine and Russia is also anticipated to decrease due to shipping disruptions, with a cancelled shipment of 20,000 tonnes intended for India. Sunflower oil exports from the Black Sea region have fallen to around 50% of normal. Experts predict sunflower prices will rise in the coming weeks as shipping schedules are further delayed.