Russian Railways has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its freight tariffs starting January 1, 2026, slashing prices by as much as 50% on key routes in what appears to be a direct challenge to maritime shipping competitors.
The move, confirmed by the company’s press service on November 11, 2025, focuses heavily on strengthening the North-South international transport corridor while supporting specific domestic industries.
The most dramatic cuts will see ferrous metal exports a 50% discount when shipped through Russian-Kazakh border stations toward Turkmenistan via Sarakhs or Akyayla, as well as through Samur station toward the Boyuk-Kyasik-Gardabani crossing.
Gasoline and diesel shipments to Crimea via Otvaga station and Azov-Black Sea basin ports will receive the same generous reduction, though these particular discounts are temporary and set to expire at the end of 2026.
The North-South corridor development is receiving special attention with a range of targeted incentives. Grain and leguminous crop exports through Kazakhstan to Iran will benefit from a 9% discount through 2030, while large containers traveling the corridor’s eastern route via Bolashak-Serkhetyak will see a 20% reduction.
The western route through Samur station offers varied discounts depending on cargo type: 12.8% for coal, 35% for fertilizers, and a substantial 50% for ferrous metals in railcars and certain containers.
Perishable goods are getting particular consideration in the new tariff structure. Refrigerated container shipments of second and third-rate freight between Samur and Astara stations, as well as between Selyatino and Uzbekistan stations, will receive a roughly 20% discount. Fruit and vegetable imports from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will be slashed by 50%, provided Russian Railways doesn’t have to pay tolls for using those countries’ refrigerated rolling stock.
There’s an important catch to all these discounts: they won’t apply if cargo is rerouted during transit or at the destination station. While most of the new tariff conditions run through 2026, some provisions extend further, with grain transportation to Iran lasting until 2028 and certain passenger car routes continuing until 2030. /// nCa, 12 November 2025