Ukrzaliznytsia has commented on recent changes to its train formation plan, implemented to improve the distribution of freight flows on the Pomichna-Podilsk and Pomichna-Chornomorska routes. This measure aims to ensure stable operation of traction substations and optimize the use of locomotives, preventing excessive workloads for locomotive crews.
The company provided this information in response to an inquiry from EP.
In its statement, Ukrzaliznytsia noted that there are restrictions on train intervals and electricity supply on the mentioned routes.
Moreover, when making this decision, the existing and potential freight flows towards Ukraine’s largest port – MTP "Pivdennyi" – served by these routes were considered.
The company also emphasized that freight tariffs in Ukraine are supposed to be adjusted annually. However, in previous years, this regulation was often overlooked, and the dynamics of tariff adjustments significantly lagged behind the price increases of essential resources consumed by the railway.
"Specifically, since the last revision of freight tariffs, electricity prices have risen by 166%, diesel by 110%, spare parts for diesel locomotives by 217%, spare parts for electric locomotives by 22%, bearings by 37%, and solid-rolled wheels by 20%", the company stated.
As a result, these factors constrain Ukrzaliznytsia’s ability to adequately maintain infrastructure and rolling stock, as well as to raise salaries for railway workers.
"At the same time, private companies have the opportunity to index their tariffs by reducing logistics costs, thereby allowing them to meet their social obligations to employees, including paying the 13th salary", Ukrzaliznytsia advised.
It should be noted:
Recently, PJSC "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" expressed its "concern" regarding the changes made by Ukrzaliznytsia to its train formation plan and the corresponding increase in tariff distances.
"We are extremely concerned about the changes introduced by PJSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" from April 5, 2025, to the train formation plan heading to the Odesa Sea Commercial Port, which has increased the tariff distance for trains carrying our products by 257 km, consequently raising production costs significantly."
"We consider such route changes by the state monopoly "Ukrzaliznytsia" to be artificial and unfounded", the company stated.
Changes in tariff distances to the Odesa Commercial Sea Port are viewed by "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" as "artificial and selective" and "do not exclude the possibility of deliberate economic pressure on "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih".
