MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. The Russian government is introducing a temporary ban on the export of durum wheat, the government’s press service reported.

"Russia is introducing a temporary restriction on the export of durum wheat from the country. An order on this has been signed. The decision is aimed at ensuring food security and will help maintain a stable situation with prices for durum wheat products on the domestic market," the statement says.

The temporary restriction comes into force from the moment the government order is published and will remain in effect until May 31, 2024.

The order provides for a number of exceptions. These include the export of durum wheat to provide international humanitarian assistance and as part of international intergovernmental agreements, its export from Russian territory to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

It is allowed to export durum wheat to the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union - Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan - within the quotas set by the government decree, subject to permits issued by the Russian Agriculture Ministry.

Earlier, the press service of the Russian Agriculture Ministry told TASS that the world's durum wheat harvest in the current agricultural season (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) will be reduced to a 20-year minimum due to unfavorable agrometeorological conditions in the vast majority of producing countries. According to forecasts, it will be less than 31.3 million tons, which is 7-8% lower than the previous season. In particular, the harvest in North America will decrease by 20%, including in Canada (by 30%), the USA (by 7%), Mexico (by 4%). The harvest in North Africa will decline by 11%, including in Algeria (by 11%), Tunisia (by 53%). In France the harvest will decrease by 6%, in Kazakhstan - by 38%. Russia intends to increase the cultivated area under durum wheat.