The Ministry of Agriculture complains about the increase in prices for the transportation of grain

The Ministry of Agriculture will appeal to the Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin with a request to instruct the Federal Antimonopoly Service to check the validity of the pricing of grain transportation by rail for export deliveries. The relevant issue was discussed at a meeting at the ministry on March 24. This was reported to Vedomosti by two of its participants. According to them, first of all, it was about the pricing of the largest operator of wagons for the transportation of bulk cargo – Rusagrotrans. The company increased the cost of renting railcars from 488 to 988 rubles over the year. per 1 ton, and from April 1, plans to increase it to 1488 rubles. per 1 ton upon delivery of cargo to Novorossiysk. The FAS confirmed that they are working on the issues raised at the meeting.

The rise in transportation costs has a negative impact on the profitability of agricultural producers, explains one of the participants in the meeting. Exporters compensate for the increased costs by reducing the cost of buying grain from farmers. According to the estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture, on March 23, the purchase price for grain varied from 8183 to 9137 rubles. per 1 ton depending on the region. At the same time, the cost of production by the ministry is estimated at 9,000–9,500 rubles. for 1 ton, the source explains. The ministry believes that the actions of Rusagrotrans may lead to the bankruptcy of agricultural producers and problems with ensuring food security.