Russia is concerned about its oil and petroleum product supply. As a result, Russian Railways (RZD) has launched a special team tasked with guaranteeing deliveries. The rail operator plays an important role in keeping fuel flowing across the country.
The newly created oil task force has a clear assignment: to guarantee the “stable acceptance of oil freight for transportation with consideration of the operational circumstances”, announced RZD.
“RZD is flexibly adapting to the changing conditions in tight cooperation with oil companies and is ready to promptly adjust its operating procedures”, the rail operator added. RZD is aiming to prevent a fuel shortage from arising. It is paying special attention to kerosene deliveries at airports.
The move to create a special task force for fuel deliveries comes amid an ongoing Ukrainian strike campaign against Russian oil refineries and other facilities in the fuel supply chain. Reuters reported that Russia will start importing fuel from Asia as it struggles to supply itself sufficiently. The occupied Crimean peninsula already has a shortage of fuel.
Not entirely RZD’s responsibility?
“The cohesion of all supply chain participants has a particular importance”, says RZD. “A clear observance of the unloading timetable of incoming freight will allow for the most efficient use of network capacity and to grow the supply of rolling stock for loading.”
In other words, RZD emphasises that oil shippers need to present their products for loading at the agreed upon times. Yet, this seems to be exactly Russia’s problem: a big chunk of Russia’s oil refining capacity has been knocked out and Ukrainian strikes are continuing.
The ‘AI-assistant’ of Russian publication Kommersant explains the situation as follows: “The situation is aggravated by a imbalance between the capacities of oil refineries and the growing demand, as well as transportation priorities.” However, logistical challenges and infrastructure usage strains are said to be the core problems.