Photo: Depositphotos
Time Ukraine Israel, 23 March 2025
In the first 19 days of March 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia transported 1 million 703 thousand tonnes of grain cargo. This was announced by Valery Tkachev, Deputy Director of the Transportation Technology and Commercial Department of the company, Delo.ua reports. Despite the overall reduction in traffic volumes, grain exports to seaports and European countries show stability and even growth in some areas.
In the period under review, the railway network handled 1 million 454 thousand tonnes of grain, down 3% compared to February. The share of grain in the total cargo turnover is 19%, and the total volume of traffic for the month decreased by 8% compared to the previous period. In March, the company exported 1 million 542 thousand tonnes of grain, which is 5% less than in February. At the same time, 92% of these cargoes were shipped to seaports, which remain the key channel for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products.
In addition to grain, Ukrzaliznytsia actively transports related products. In March, the volume of oil transported totalled 102.7 thousand tonnes, up 19% compared to February. Of this amount, 56% was sent to ports. Exports of oilcake and meals increased by 3% to 146.9 thousand tonnes, with 71% of these cargoes also shipped to port terminals.
Growth of exports to European countries
Grain exports by rail to European countries showed positive dynamics in March. The average daily volume of grain shipments to Slovakia increased to 34.7 wagons per day (+1.1 wagon compared to the previous week). Poland received 17.2 wagons per day (+0.6 wagons), and 2.9 wagons (+2.4 wagons) were transferred through the Ukrainian-Romanian border crossings. At the same time, traffic to Hungary decreased by 0.9 cars per day and now stands at 23.8 cars.
Overall, the average daily transfer of grain and meal to European countries in March reached 154 wagons, which is 14 more than last week. These figures show a gradual increase in Ukrzaliznytsia’s logistics capacity to the west, despite the challenging wartime conditions.
Challenges and prospects
Compared to February, when average daily volumes of grain transferred through border crossings declined, March showed a certain recovery. However, the overall 8% decline in cargo turnover reflects the logistical challenges posed by the war and infrastructure restrictions. At the same time, the growth in exports of oil, cake and meal, as well as the increase in the transfer of cargo to Slovakia, Poland and Romania, indicate that the railway network is adapting to market needs.
“Ukrzaliznytsia continues to play a key role in ensuring the export of Ukrainian agricultural products, particularly in the face of the blockade of sea routes. Growth in traffic to Europe and stable operation of the port sector may provide a basis for further logistics development in the coming months.
