Record‑low Danube levels are choking a vital route for Black Sea grain, creating fresh constraints on exports as Russia and Ukraine together supply over a quarter of global wheat. The severe drought and extreme heat have reduced water flow through Romania, limiting barge traffic just as intensified strikes divert Ukrainian grain from Odesa and other ports. Meanwhile, ongoing attacks on grain infrastructure and vessels raise doubts about the reliability of shipments from one of the world’s most important breadbaskets, adding risk to already strained global food supplies.

Experts warn that further disruptions could exacerbate price pressures worldwide, highlighting the vulnerability of Black Sea trade lanes.