KYIV, UKRAINE — The Ukrainian grain traders union (UGA) asked the government to provide transparent rules on how cargo ships should wait before loading at Ukrainian Black Sea ports under the export deal arranged by the United Nations and Turkey, Reuters reported.

Ukraine has accused Russia of delaying inspections of ships carrying Ukrainian agricultural goods, which has led to less shipments and losses for traders. Grain is being exported from three Ukrainian ports under the Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered last July and extended in November to March 18. Grain movement had been blockaded by Russian following its invasion last February.

UGA proposed a ship queue system organized on a monthly basis by stevedores or terminals instead of vessels. Priority would be given to vessels registered as in the queue as of Feb. 9.

The union also said terminals should provide the Ukrainian seaport authority every two weeks with a detailed plan of ships movement for passing on to the Joint Coordination Center in Turkey.

UGA also proposed allocating a ship quota for each operator, making it public in advance and prohibiting any changes to the established queue.

Ukraine’s exports so far for the 2022-23 season are down 26% to 32.3 million tonnes, according to the Ukrainian agriculture ministry. The drop was attributed to a smaller harvest and logistical difficulties due to the Russian invasion.