Tunisia took delivery of 5.27 thousand tons of soft wheat onboard a ship from Russia that docked on Wednesday at the port of Sfax.
This move aims to counter the ongoing disruptions in bread production.
Port workers began unloading the shipment onto heavy trucks, preparing for its transportation to mills, as reported by local media sources.
Ridwan Qamar, the regional director of the Sfax Grain Office, told the “Tunisia Africa News Agency” that the majority of the wheat consignment would be directed to mills in the provinces of Sfax, Kasserine, Gabes, and Sousse. A smaller portion would be kept in storage.
“The shipment arrives at a time when the country is in dire need of soft wheat, especially before the start of the new month when mills are supplied, which then process and sell flour under optimal conditions,” Qamar added.
Over the past several months, the country has experienced significant disruptions in bread production. The country has seen widespread consumption of bread and daily queues outside bakeries due to a shortage of grains and flour amidst a turbulent financial crisis.
Last July, Tunisia signed a loan agreement of $87 million with the African Development Bank to finance wheat purchases. This followed another similar loan agreement made a year earlier with the World Bank worth $130 million.
National grain production has plummeted by 60% this year compared to the previous season, largely due to drought conditions. The Russian conflict in Ukraine further exacerbated the situation, given that both countries account for over 60% of Tunisia’s grain imports.
Officials also expect the arrival of another ship at the port loaded with a shipment of hard wheat on Thursday.
