Russia's diesel crisis sends road freight costs soaring by 20%

Fuel shortages and rising diesel prices are disrupting road freight operations in Russia. Trucking companies warn of steep tariff increases as costs climb sharply across key routes. Diesel prices have jumped by 10–15 rubles per litre, pushing up transport expenses. On China-bound routes, fuel shortages have added 50–70,000 rubles per truck to operating costs. Daily mileage for these journeys has fallen to 500 km because of delays and limited supplies.

Trucking rates from China have already risen by $700 per trip. Alexey Chernyshev, commercial director of AKFA, predicts an extra 200,000 rubles in fuel costs for each journey. Tatyana Patuzhnaya, founder of Sigma, expects tariffs to increase by at least 10% from July 1.

In Primorsky Krai, local authorities have restricted fuel sales for heavy trucks to prevent speculation. Carriers now face potential rate hikes of 15–20% for international freight, with small operators likely to suffer the most. Road transport still offers faster and more flexible delivery than rail. However, the combination of higher fuel prices and supply issues means carriers must pass on costs to clients. Businesses relying on these routes will soon see the impact of these changes.