October 13, 2006

1.9 million tonnes wheat imports reach India's ports

India's wheat import arrivals at ports so far in 2006 are estimated at 1.88 million tonnes in 38 shipments, about one-third of the total quantity of 5.5 million tonnes purchased by the government through State Trading Corp., latest official data showed Thursday.

India has of late witnessed a surge in deliveries of imported wheat, leading to congestion at some ports.

According to government data, 10 more ships carrying 447,678 tonnes of wheat are expected to arrive by Oct 25, 2006.

On the other hand, about five shipments of close to 200,000 tonnes of imported wheat from Ukraine, mostly on private account, are expected to be delayed, as the country is currently not issuing licenses for exports, said a government official.

"If any supplier under government purchases through STC also planned to supply Ukrainian wheat, they could opt for other origins such as Russia or France," said the official.