On the 10th week freight rates in the Azov–Black Sea region remain at the level of USD 48–49 per ton for shipments of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports. No increase in cargo flow is observed, demand remains relatively weak, while many shipowners continue to face delays in the Kerch Strait. The escalation in the Persian Gulf region, which has led to rising fuel prices, is already beginning to impact the Black Sea and Mediterranean markets. There is a high probability that the increase in fuel costs will soon affect the Azov region as well, which may result in higher freight rates. The export duty rate on Russian wheat has remained at zero for the eighth consecutive week as of March 4. In the Baltic region, a slight weakening of freight rates is observed in the coastal shipping market. Owing to warm weather conditions, the ice situation in the Gulf of Finland is becoming more predictable, and ice restrictions in Ust-Luga have been postponed until March 9. For freight rates please visit our website https://sealines.su/en/market-news/