Ukraine faces no sunflower oil shortage after Kernel plant shutdowns, experts say

Experts do not expect a sunflower oil shortage in Ukraine after the suspension of Kernel's plants and advise against stockpiling. Other producers output over a million tons annually, while Ukrainians consume 350-370 thousand tons. Kernel halted all oil extraction plants and sunflower purchases on November 12 following Russian attacks that damaged buildings, equipment, and tanks. The company cited continuous processing cycles and fire hazards as reasons for the stoppage. Economist Oleh Pendzyn noted Ukraine produces about 4 million tons of oil yearly, with Kernel accounting for nearly 3 million tons. Prices remain stable, though sunflower purchase prices have dropped to 15-16 thousand hryvnias per ton.