The company "Ukrzaliznytsia" has announced new changes to the train formation plan, implemented to optimize the distribution of freight traffic on the Pomichna-Podilsk and Pomichna-Chornomorska routes. This decision also aims to ensure stable operation of traction substations and efficient use of locomotives, while preventing overload on locomotive crews.
In response to a request from the EP, the company stated that there are restrictions on train schedules and electricity supply on the mentioned routes.
Additionally, the decision took into account the existing and potential freight traffic towards Ukraine's largest port — the MTP "Pivdenny", served by these routes.
Ukrzaliznytsia also emphasized the need for annual indexing of freight transport tariffs, although this regulation has not been followed in previous years. The dynamics of tariff indexing for rail freight transport has significantly lagged behind changes in prices for essential resources used by the railway.
"In particular, since the last tariff review for freight transport, electricity prices have increased by 166%, diesel by 110%, spare parts for diesel locomotives by 217%, spare parts for electric locomotives by 22%, bearings by 37%, solid-rolled wheels by 20%, etc.", the company's statement said.
As a result of these factors, Ukrzaliznytsia is unable to sufficiently carry out infrastructure and rolling stock repairs and to index salaries for railway workers.
"At the same time, private companies can index tariffs through reduced logistics costs, allowing them to fulfill their social obligations to employees, including the payment of the 13th salary," the company noted.
Reminder:
Recently, JSC "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" expressed concern about changes made by Ukrzaliznytsia to the train formation plan, which led to an increase in tariff distance.
"We are extremely concerned about the changes coming into effect from April 5, 2025, which have increased the tariff distance for trains carrying our products by 257 km, significantly raising our production costs.", the company's statement said.
Representatives of "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" consider these changes by the state monopoly "Ukrzaliznytsia" to be unfounded and artificial.
They view the change in tariff distance to the Odesa seaport as "selective" and "potentially indicative of economic pressure" on the company.