Logistics companies have started using a route through Kazakhstan to deliver goods from China to the Moscow region. This decision is linked to disruptions in the Russian fuel market, which have already led to an increase in the cost of road transport and changes to logistics routes.
WHY CARRIERS ARE CHANGING ROUTE
According to the newspaper Kommersant, which cites the head of the logistics company Optimallog, Georgy Vlastopulo, one of the major carriers has notified partners of a switch to the route through Kazakhstan. The name of the company is not disclosed in the publication.
According to the expert, the decision is related to the situation on the Russian fuel market. He also stated that there is enough fuel in Kazakhstan. The publication includes his opinion that Kazakh fuel is inferior to Russian fuel in quality, but the article does not contain any evidence or justification for this claim.
HOW TRANSPORT COSTS HAVE CHANGED
Over the past week and a half, the cost of road freight delivery from China to the Moscow region has increased by an average of $700 per trip.
Market participants have also reported an increase in tariffs. Some Russian carriers have already announced a price increase of at least 10% from 1 July.
WHAT DIFFICULTIES ARISE WITH TRANSIT THROUGH KAZAKHSTAN
Using the route through Kazakhstan allows carriers to secure access to fuel, but this option has its own particularities.
According to the publication, transit through Kazakhstan may increase delivery times due to additional customs checks.
WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE RUSSIAN TRANSPORT MARKET
It is noted that fuel supply disruptions are already affecting the work of road carriers in Russia. Representatives of logistics companies report an increase in the cost of diesel fuel, longer waiting times at petrol stations, a reduction in fuel card discounts, and a decrease in average delivery speed on certain routes.
According to Georgy Vlastopulo, on the Chinese route, the daily mileage of trucks has dropped from approximately 600–700 km to 500 km, and waiting times at petrol stations in some cases last up to a day.
WHAT THE ROUTE CHANGE MEANS
The redirection of some freight through Kazakhstan shows that market participants are looking for alternative routes amidst fuel supply disruptions in Russia. At the same time, such transit may involve additional time costs due to customs checks.
