The Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) has completed the procedures for importing 625,000 tons of wheat, official sources have said.
The wheat is being procured from Europe, North and South America, and Australia, said the sources.
SAGO Governor Ahmad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Fares was quoted by the sources as saying that contracting this batch comes within the framework of strengthening the strategic stock of wheat, maintaining it at safe levels, and meeting all the needs of milling companies.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has threatened the food supply of not just Saudi Arabia but the entire Middle East and North Africa region.
Saudi Arabia buys wheat, beef, and milk from both Ukraine and Russia and relies on them for various products, particularly agricultural products.
The import details
Al-Fares explained that this batch would be supplied between September and November this year, and distributed over 10 shipments.
One shipment of 63,000 tons is expected to arrive at the Jeddah Islamic Port. Another shipment carrying 55,000 tons of wheat will reportedly arrive at the Jazan Port.
A total of six shipments, with 379,000 tons of the grain, is expected at the Yanbu Commercial Port.
And finally, two shipments with 128,000 tons will reportedly arrive at the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.
Al-Fares pointed out that with the completion of this tender, the organization is contracted to import about 2.6 million tons of wheat during this year.