New Delhi, Sept. 23 -- Global wheat buyers that delayed purchases in the hope that shipments from the Black Sea would resume are now facing a difficult choice: either replenish dwindling stocks at higher prices or wait for supplies from Russia and Ukraine to recover.

The Black Sea region has been a crucial source of wheat for importers across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. But attacks on vessels, ports and grain infrastructure since July have disrupted shipments from Russia and Ukraine, pushing major buyers to look for supplies elsewhere.

Russia and Ukraine account for more than a quarter of global wheat trade, according to Bloomberg, while Kpler estimates that their seaborne exports account for around 30% of global wheat exports. Th...