Romania will import some 0.4-0.5 million milling wheat by the middle of the year, but no food shortage is expected, Agerpres reported, quoting agriculture ministry state secretary Adrian Radulescu.

Retail food prices might rise in line with the import prices. Radulescu thus answered to warnings from the food sector of imminent price hikes in the range of 15-30 per cent.

Out of the 5.7mn tonnes of wheat, harvested last summer, some 1.65mn tonnes have already been exported explained Radulescu.

Earlier this year, he explained that total exports from last year's crop might reach 1.7mn tonnes at a FOB price of EUR 190-210 per tonne, but imports of 0.7mn tonnes might also be needed at a FOB price of EUR 240-250 per tonne.

Out of the total crop, some 65 per cent was milling wheat. The domestic demand stands at about 3mn tonnes of milling wheat plus 0.5mn tonnes of wheat seeds.