Russia, which tops the list of wheat exporting countries in the world, decided to suspend the export of a number of grains, including wheat and corn, until July 1, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture announced in a statement Sunday .
Russia had decided in early April to limit its grain exports by seven million tons until June 30.
The decision drew criticism from several organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization, which fear food shortages during the Covid-19 epidemic.
The ministry said in a statement that these quotas were "completely exhausted" until Sunday.
She added that grain exports "will be suspended until July 1".
Russia is the first wheat exporter and one of the major grain producing and exporting countries in the world.
The Russian government announced in mid-March that it was considering imposing restrictions on the export of some food products due to the emerging epidemic of the Corona virus, to ensure the stability of the national market.
This decision can increase the already high prices. On the European exchange market, "Euronext", the price of a ton of wheat reached 199 euros for May contracts, and the price of corn for June reached 165.75 euros.
