Buy Russian wheat for Iran via Caspian routes
Market information updated: August 2026. Figures and market references in this article are for orientation only — they are not a firm offer. Request a quotation for an executable price.
Iranian mills and traders can source Russian-origin milling wheat through Caspian Sea corridors as an alternative or complement to Black Sea–Bosporus itineraries. This guide compares Caspian load options such as Makhachkala and Astrakhan with southern Bosporus routes, and lists the specs, documents and payment steps for a 2026 RFQ.
Demetra Trading works 12.5%, 13.5% milling wheat and feed barley enquiries for Iranian counterparties. Indicative $/t figures are not firm offers — request an executable quotation for your route and laycan.
Caspian vs Bosporus: choosing the corridor
Caspian shipping links Russian Caspian ports with Iranian Caspian ports (for example Anzali, Amirabad, Nowshahr — confirm the berth your agent nominates). Transit avoids the Turkish Straits but depends on Caspian fleet availability, draft, ice season in northern ports, and inland rail/road to the Iranian mill.
Bosporus / Black Sea routes remain relevant when larger ocean stems or Mediterranean re-export logic apply. Compare total landed cost — not only FOB — including Caspian freight, handling and inland haulage.
Load ports: Makhachkala, Astrakhan and peers
Makhachkala and Astrakhan are frequently discussed Caspian gateways for grain toward Iran. Actual nomination depends on cargo availability, terminal slots and vessel class. State whether you need FOB named Caspian port, CFR / CIF named Iranian Caspian port, or a multimodal structure to inland silos.
Specifications Iranian mills usually lock
- Protein 12.5% or 13.5% (or other agreed milling grade) with stated basis;
- Wet gluten, falling number and moisture limits;
- Test weight, foreign matter, damaged kernels;
- Mycotoxins within Iranian import tolerances;
- Crop year, fumigation and sampling method.
Write measurable limits in the SPA. “Export quality” alone is not enough for mill intake control.
Documents and payment for Iran-bound cargo
Expect commercial invoice, transport documents appropriate to Caspian / multimodal carriage, certificate of origin, phytosanitary and fumigation certificates, quality / weight / inspection certificates, and any Iranian customs or standards papers your broker lists before signing.
Demetra Trading settles approved deals via the client portal with staged multisignature escrow. Company verification is required. Use only portal payment instructions.
Operational risks to price into the offer
- Caspian vessel scarcity and seasonal constraints;
- Port congestion and draft limits on either shore;
- Inland Iranian logistics from Caspian berth to mill;
- Document legalization or translation requirements;
- Laycan slippage if rail/road capacity is tight.
RFQ checklist for a firm Caspian offer
- Iranian buyer entity and registration details;
- Wheat grade and full specification (or feed barley);
- Quantity and tolerance;
- Named Caspian load and/or discharge points and Incoterm;
- Preferred shipment window;
- Inspection preference;
- Portal and escrow acceptance.