Russian Railways (RZD) reportedly plans to adjust some of its rail freight tariffs. The company already introduced a 13.8% increase for freight traffic in December 2024.
Not all the proposed tariffs are higher than the current ones. They will get higher for some raw materials, including iron ore (13.5%), coke (14.5%) and coking coal (21%). On the other hand, tariffs on so-called third class goods (which include finished steel and dual-use products) would be reduced by 15.8%, Russian media said.
The proposal follows a study led by RZD and Russia’s ministry of economy. According to reports from Russia, RZD also wants to raise tariffs for journeys of empty wagons by 5% in 2026 and another 5% in 2027. Container traffic might also be affected, as the company proposed an allowable surcharge of up to 15% from 2027. RZD claims it has spent over 700 million euros in the past 20 years for the transfer of high-value goods from wagons to containers.
Tariffs go up but investments go down
RZD’s request to increase tariffs comes while the company is struggling financially and needs more liquidity. However, it does not seem like this money will be spent on investments. RZD planned to implement a 33% massive cut on investments in 2025. In the meantime, its volumes keep falling, dragging RZD in what analysts called the worst crisis of the last 16 years.