Adjustments in Tariffs and Transport Routes: New Challenges for Ukrzaliznytsia
Ukrzaliznytsia has announced modifications to its train formation plan, stating that this is essential for the balanced distribution of freight flow along the Pomichna-Podils'k and Pomichna-Chornomors'ka sections, as well as ensuring stable operations of traction substations and rational use of locomotives.
The company noted in response to an information request that there are restrictions on train passing intervals and electricity supply on these routes.
Additionally, the decision takes into account the existing and potential freight flow towards Ukraine's largest port, the MTP "Pivdennyi".
Ukrzaliznytsia also emphasized that freight transportation tariffs in Ukraine should be indexed annually, although this norm has often been neglected in previous years, resulting in tariff indexing lagging behind price changes for essential resources.
"Since the last tariff review, electricity prices have risen by 166%, diesel by 110%, parts for diesel locomotives by 217%, and bearings by 37%", the company stated.
As a result, these factors have limited Ukrzaliznytsia's ability to sufficiently maintain infrastructure and rolling stock and to increase salaries for railway workers.
"In contrast, private companies can adjust their tariffs due to reduced logistics costs, allowing them to fulfill their social commitments, including paying a 13th salary", advised Ukrzaliznytsia.
It is worth noting that the day before, PJSC "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" expressed its "concern" regarding the changes made by Ukrzaliznytsia to the train formation plan.
"We are extremely worried about the change made by Ukrzaliznytsia since April 5, 2025, which has resulted in an increase in the tariff distance for trains carrying our products by 257 km, consequently raising production costs."
"We consider such route changes by the state monopoly Ukrzaliznytsia to be artificial and unfounded," the company stated.
Changes to the tariff distance to the Odessa commercial sea port are viewed by "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" as "artificial and selective" and they do not rule out the possibility of targeted economic pressure on their operations.