The Kremlin is suspending its rail priority rules until the end of 2024. The suspension was to be in place until 1 September, but Russia is now prolonging the measure. Moscow initially scrapped its rules in March 2022, following its invasion of Ukraine two weeks prior.

According to Russian press agency Interfax, Prime Minister Mishustin signed a document prolonging the suspension of rail priority rules until the end of 2024. The rules determine non-discriminatory access to the country’s rail infrastructure. The Kremlin scrapped the rules on 6 March 2022.

The suspension of the rules gives the government the option to amend prioritisation on rail more easily. For example, Russia decided to prioritise oil transportation in March this year as it combats domestic shortages and seeks to keep up with export contracts. It moved oil up from place six to place three in the priority list. Moreover, the suspension may allow for further prioritisation of traffic crucial to Russia’s war effort.

The prolongation does not come as a surprise. Russia extended the rule suspension numerous times already over the course of its war against Ukraine. It will likely continue to prolong the measure until the war’s end.