Russia and Belarus will unify rail tariffs. Reportedly, the two countries are already working on the implementation of the measure. Most likely, it will lower tariffs on the Russian network.

Russia and its steadfast ally Belarus are on a path of deepening integration within the framework of the so-called Union State. The two countries are now taking their union a step further and will unify rail tariffs. According to Russian publication TASS, work on the measure is already underway.

“We believe that rail transport tariffs on the territory of Russia and Belarus should be one and the same”, stated Evgeniy Moskvichev, the head of the Union State parliamentary transport committee. A unified tariff means that “the cost of one kilometre will be the same in Russia as in Belarus.”

A lowered rail tariff in Russia is set to benefit rail operators from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Among EAEU member states, domestic tariffs are applied to all operators from the organisation. As such, a possible decrease of rail fees in Russia will not benefit China – Europe freight traffic.

No outlines, but instructions

“These are no outlines, but instructions”, Moskvichev said. “We are working on this question, the ministries are working. And today we will already come to understand what kind of tariffs it will be. The tariffs, naturally, will be low.” According to Moskvichev, the Belarusian tariffs will not increase. As they are currently lower than the Russian fees, this means that Russia is likely about to lower its rail tariffs.

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