Ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk accuse Ukrzaliznytsia of tariff discrimination

Entrepreneurs demand that the authorities and UZ review railway tariffs that make the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk less competitive.

Port operators of Odesa and Chornomorsk have appealed to the government and the management of Ukrzaliznytsia with a complaint about discriminatory tariffs for rail freight transportation. This is reported by Latifundist with reference to sources.

In a joint letter, the operators note that after changes in the train formation plan from April 5, 2025, the cost of delivery to their ports has increased by $2–2.6 per ton, and after the expected indexation of tariffs, it may increase to $4 per ton.

“This creates artificially unequal competitive conditions for conducting export-import activities in the seaports of Chornomorsk and Odesa, which makes them uncompetitive compared to the port of Pivdenny,” the appeal states.

Entrepreneurs emphasize that the three major ports — Pivdennyi, Odesa and Chornomorsk — are located virtually next to each other, but the railway routes to Odesa and Chornomorsk remain longer and more expensive. This is already affecting the plans of exporters, who announce a reduction in shipments through these ports in the 2025/26 season.

Entrepreneurs see signs of abuse of monopoly position and restriction of competition in the actions of Ukrzaliznytsia. They call for equalization of tariffs following the example of other countries where the cost of delivery to ports is unified.

“We support any initiatives to equalize tariffs — including the application of corrective coefficients or changes to the regulatory framework,” the letter emphasizes.

The day before, USM wrote that the port of Chornomorsk is seeking salvation from railway tariffs in private traction.