Ukrainian grain transit sparks tension for Moldovan and Romanian farmers

Tensions are rising across Eastern Europe as the transit of Ukrainian grain through Moldova and Romania impacts local agricultural sectors. In Moldova, the government has scheduled an expanded meeting to discuss rail transit terms following concerns from the Farmers’ Force association. Local producers fear that preferential rail tariffs and priority access for Ukrainian cargo could undermine domestic markets and infrastructure access.

Moldovan officials, including Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Bolea, have defended the transit arrangements. They argue that Ukrainian grain provides essential revenue for Moldovan Railways (CFM) and that the transit involves Ukrainian-owned wagons, minimizing the impact on local rolling stock. Tofan noted that the expected volumes would only account for approximately 20% of CFM’s annual cargo targets.

Simultaneously, Romanian farmers and traders report significant difficulties exporting their own grain. They claim that Ukrainian wheat is being given priority for rail transport to the Port of Constanța, forcing Romanian producers to use road transport, which can nearly double logistics costs. This competition has led to warnings of potential protests from Romanian agricultural groups seeking to protect their market competitiveness.