MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russia can become the world’s largest sunflower oil exporter in the current agricultural year [from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 - TASS], the General Director of the Institute for Agricultural Market Studies (IKAR) said on Friday.

"This season, Russia will become the largest sunflower oil exporter globally - for the first time in its history," Dmitry Rylko said.

Exports are nearing record-highs, he noted. They may reach 3.9 mln metric tons this season, compared to 3.1 mln metric tons the previous season.

Refining capacities have also been expanding in Russia in recent years, in addition to the rapid growth of oil-bearing crop production, the expert said. Facilities are located throughout the country, from Central Russia to the Far East.