The fuel crisis in Russia, caused by Ukrainian attacks on refineries, is beginning to affect industrial rail transport as well. Railway line operators serving factories, mines, and quarries are complaining about the accelerated increase in diesel prices and difficulties in supply.
According to the specialized publication “Gudok”, companies are forced to buy fuel in small quantities, at higher prices, after wholesale deliveries have become increasingly difficult.
Under these circumstances, the “Promjeldortrans” Association has requested the Russian Ministry of Energy to prioritize the delivery of diesel for industrial rail transport, warning that the situation endangers the functioning of the entire sector.
Over 80% of goods transported in Russia, including coal, metallurgical products, chemicals, and defense industry products, pass through these industrial railway lines. Unlike the main network of Russian Railways, where electric traction is largely used, industrial railway transport relies almost entirely on diesel locomotives and diesel-powered generators.
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