UZ reduced the volume of cargo transportation by 52.1% y/y in 2022

According to operational data, in 2022, Ukrainian railways reduced freight transportation by 52.1% y/y – to 150.6 million tons. This was discussed during the online meeting of Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) with participants of the agricultural transportation market, informs Rail.Insider.

According to Valeriy Tkachev, deputy director of the UZ’s commercial work department, the volume of transportation has decreased for all types of cargo, grain transportation fell the most. In 2022, Ukrzaliznytsia transported 28.9 million tons of grain, which is 14.2% less than in 2021. Valeriy Tkachev hopes that in 2023 grain transportation will grow.

In December 2022, a total of 10.1 million tons of cargo was transported, which is almost 0.4 million less compared to the previous month. One of the reasons for the reduction was Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. At the same time, transportation of grain, oil products, fertilizers, chemicals, salt, and engineering products increased in December. In particular, the volume of grain transportation increased by 18.8% (or by 0.5 million tons) compared to November 2022.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in December 2022, there was a decrease in the actual speed of movement of Ukrzaliznytsia’s freight railcars. This happened due to a series of massive Russian attacks and delays of passenger trains. As a result, UZ reduced the estimated average speeds of railcars for January 2023.

From January 1, 2023, the actual daily rate for the use of UZ semi-railcars will decrease by 13.3%. Rates for grain trucks will remain at the level of December 2022.