The strike carried out by the Ukrainian Defense Forces against Russian oil refineries has led to a fuel crisis that has affected industrial rail transport. Operators of spur railways have faced a sharp rise in diesel fuel prices and supply disruptions, forcing the industry association to appeal to the authorities for help. This was reported by Glavkom, citing The Moscow Times.
Operators of private railways, which transport cargo from factories, mines, and quarries to the Russian Railways (RZD) main network, are feeling the effects of rising diesel prices, disruptions in wholesale deliveries, and the shift to more expensive small-scale wholesale purchases. The “Promzheldortrans” Association, which unites 191 companies, has appealed to the Ministry of Energy to ensure priority fuel supplies for these enterprises, calling this critical for the industry’s survival.
Why This Is Important for Russia’s Economy
More than 80% of all cargo in the country passes through spur tracks, including coal, metals, defense products, and chemical products. In the first half of 2026, the load on the Russian Railways network totaled approximately 549 million metric tons, and each train is preceded by shunting operations on spur tracks. Unlike the mainline network, which uses electric traction, industrial rail transport is critically dependent on diesel locomotives and diesel generators.
Rising Diesel Prices
Companies are facing delays in fuel deliveries and difficulties with purchases on the exchange. In some regions, the price of diesel reached 150–180 rubles per liter, more than double the level at the beginning of the year. As the association notes, the jump from 60 rubles occurred in just one week. This is particularly problematic for companies operating under long-term contracts.
