Fuel shortage threatens Ukrainian harvest

23 July 1999

Fuel shortage threatens Ukrainian harvest

A SHORTAGE of diesel fuel in Ukraine is threatening to ruin the countrys harvest, which started on 1 July.

It is forecast that up to 5 million tonnes of the total yield of 25m tonnes could now be lost.

The government has attempted to ameliorate the situation by sequestrating cargoes of diesel and petrol from private traders to supply farmers.

Regional governors, fearing a bad harvest, have started seizing stores of grain due for private traders to ensure that state orders are filled.

• Financial Times 23/07/99 page 3