Russia Limits Novorossiysk Traffic over Drone Fears

Russia has imposed a temporary ban on ships entering and leaving the port of Novorossiysk between midnight and 5 a.m. According to sources in the grain sector, the reason is an increased risk of Ukrainian drone attacks.

They say the measure was announced verbally, and outside of these nighttime hours, the port continues to operate without restrictions. According to available information, grain exports have not been disrupted so far.

Novorossiysk is Russia's largest port and handles approximately one-third of Russian grain exports. It also serves as a hub for the transport of oil, metals and containerized cargo.

These restrictions follow earlier limitations on shipping in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. News of the nighttime restrictions triggered a reaction in commodity markets, with September wheat futures on the Euronext exchange rising by approximately 4.5%.

(Reuters, mja)