Gordeychuk stated: “Currently, we have the most expensive ammonium nitrate in Europe. The only comparable price is in Romania. We have a psychological price ‘ceiling’ that the market has hit. There is no point in buying nitrate more expensively for the next sowing season, just as there will be no one to set a price for the product that will be equal to the cost of urea. We need to find ways to resolve these logistical difficulties.”
Purchases of ammonium nitrate and urea are currently paused as stakeholders await resolution of port-related challenges. Previously, sea imports allowed ammonium nitrate to be sourced at prices 10-20 euros per ton lower than through land routes. Gordeychuk expects the situation may stabilize within a month, potentially easing supply constraints.
OSTCHEM, a major fertilizer producer, indicated that the port restrictions have not significantly impacted fertilizer availability or pricing in Ukraine. A company representative commented: “Currently, restrictions on imports of ammonium nitrate through ports do not affect either the availability of fertilizers or the price level in Ukraine. Saltpeter is freely available in sufficient quantities. The main volume of imports comes via land routes through Poland, which are not subject to restrictions.”
OSTCHEM emphasized that its production facilities are fully capable of meeting domestic demand for ammonium nitrate, ensuring a stable supply for Ukrainian agriculture. The company does not anticipate further significant price increases, maintaining confidence in the market’s resilience.
The price increases reflect logistical challenges in Ukraine’s fertilizer market, but efforts are underway to address these issues through alternative import routes and robust domestic production. These measures aim to support farmers by ensuring fertilizer availability for upcoming planting seasons.
