Imports of grain and cereals from Russia to Albania have doubled since the former invaded Ukraine on 24 February, according to data from INSTAT.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine and evidence of war crimes has emerged, the EU has slapped the country with four sanction packages and is mulling a fifth. These sanctions include restrictions against 52 entities and 654 individuals, and banning Russian aircraft from the skies.
However, since March, Albania has imported some 10,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia, compared to 5000 tonnes in March 2021, equivalent to a 100% increase.
During the first quarter of 2022, Albania imported more than 20,000 tonnes from Russia, a decrease of 21% on 2021 as a result of lower imports before the war in January and February. March, however, more than made up for it.
The value of the products also increased significantly as the cost of wheat from Russia rose. A kilogram of Russian wheat bought in March 2021 cost 31 ALL (EUR 0.26) while today it is 65 ALL (EUR 0.540).
At the start of the war, there were concerns that it would result in a shortage of wheat in the country. Industry stakeholders said they were looking to source the products elsewhere, outside of Russia and to an extent, Ukraine.
But instead of doing so, the amount of wheat imported from Russia has increased, along with the price.
While Albania has enforced sanctions against Russia, this does not cover the import of cereals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified. In terms of visas, the restriction of visas for diplomats, officials and business people is being considered.
