The Government banned the export of wheat with the tariff position 1001 from the state reserves until April 12 inclusive. The decision was taken by the interim Cabinet by a unanimous vote following almost two hours of debates held behind closed doors in the evening of March 30, IPN reports.

According to Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Ion Perju, the decision was taken after considering the information and recommendations presented by the Supreme Security Council.

Before withdrawing for debates, at the suggestion of Minister of Justice Fadei Nagachevski, the Government proposed banning the export of wheat from the state reserves until April 15, but the proposal was supported only by acting Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi.

Later, Minister Ion Perju said that Moldova’s food security was ensured and the country has enough wheat and there is no need to introduce restrictions on its export. Of the 600,000 tonnes of wheat produced last year, about 107,000 tonnes have been exported since last July until present. The country needs 300,000-350,000 tonnes of wheat to be safe.

President Maia Sandu, after the March 30 meeting of the Supreme Security Council, requested the Government to introduce temporary restrictions on the export of wheat from the state reserves, invoking the eventual risks related to drought and to food security and the possible rise in the prices of baked goods.

The decision will take effect when it is published in the Official Gazette.