Russian agricultural giant Rusagro has begun exporting sunflower oil from the St. Petersburg terminal (PNT) on the Baltic Sea, marking a strategic shift to overcome congestion at Black Sea ports. According to LSEG data and industry sources, the first shipment, a 46,317-metric-ton cargo aboard the tanker Lanikai, was loaded last month and is destined for India.
Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, aims to increase its agricultural exports by 50% by 2030. However, limited capacity at Black Sea ports, which handle 90% of Russia’s seaborne grain exports, has prompted the country to explore alternative export routes. The Baltic Sea ports, traditionally used for crude and refined oil products, are now being tapped for agricultural shipments.
Rusagro has reportedly rented two reservoirs at the St. Petersburg terminal—one for sunflower oil exports and another for palm oil imports. Industry sources indicate that the company has long-term plans to expand sunflower oil exports from the terminal, with another shipment expected later in March.
President Vladimir Putin has prioritized boosting agricultural exports as part of Russia’s strategy to establish itself as a global agricultural powerhouse alongside Brazil, China, and the United States. In addition to being the top wheat exporter, Russia leads in corn, barley, and pea exports.
However, further growth in agricultural exports may be constrained by domestic demand and shipping capacity limitations. Russia is working to expand loading capacity across its regions, but the Black Sea ports remain the dominant hub, handling 62.4 million metric tons of grain in the 2023/2024 season.
The move to utilize Baltic ports for sunflower oil exports highlights Russia’s efforts to diversify its export infrastructure and reduce reliance on Black Sea facilities.