KIEV, Aug. 17 – Ukraine, the world’s third-biggest grain exporter, may soon introduce tougher grain export restrictions than earlier thought amid fears grain harvest is likely to be affected by the drought.

The restrictions may include slapping a quota of 2.5 million metric tons for grain, mostly wheat and barley, to be exported between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, only half of what was earlier expected.

Mykola Prysiazhniuk, the agriculture minister, said the measures had been discussed and agreed with major grain traders, and the decision will soon be formally approved by the government.

“Tomorrow, the Cabinet of Ministers will consider the issue of quotas,” Prysiazhniuk said at a meeting agriculture industry professionals on Tuesday. “We suggest 2.5 million metric ton through the end of the year.”