Egypt purchases 240K tons of Russian wheat

CAIRO – 23 February 2023: Egypt had bought 240,000 tons of Russian wheat in an international tender and is due to arrive in Egypt in the period between April 1 and 15, announced the Egyptian General Authority for Supply Commodities.

The purchase was funded by the World Bank, the authority added, noting that the price was made at $317.50 per ton, including cost and freight, Al Arabiya net reported on Thursday.

The shipment is due to arrive in Egypt during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset worldwide, as the government is working on securing basic commodities for the people.

Early February 2023, Egypt’s Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade has signed a contract to purchase 535,000 tons of Russian wheat funded by the World Bank.

Late in January, Safaga Port received 'PAREA' ship carrying 63,000 tons of Russian wheat, the state’s news agency MENA quoted the media center of the Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) as saying.

The current Russia-Ukraine war has forced Egypt to find new sources for wheat imports given that the country used to get 80 percent of its imported wheat from both conflicting countries. However, Egypt has not stopped receiving wheat shipments from both countries.

Egypt has also worked to encourage local farmers to supply wheat to the government in an effort to cover local consumption.