“According to the expert, an increase in the tariff for cargo transportation is a way to a collapse in key industries and the economy.”, — write: www.unian.ua
According to the expert, an increase in the tariff for cargo transportation is a way to a collapse in key industries and the economy.
photo by UNIANThe 37% increase in freight tariffs proposed by Ukrzaliznytsia does not correspond to the realities of the Ukrainian economy and may lead to a collapse in key sectors of the economy. At the same time, the authorities should pay attention to the indicators manipulated by the UZ to achieve its goals. This was stated by the owner of the Ukrainian multidisciplinary industrial and investment group Aurum Group Alyona Lebedeva.“Business and experts are worried about the sudden steps of the UZ. During the war, the industry is already under critical pressure. A significant increase in tariffs without prior open consultations and without taking into account the positions of both business and society can lead to a decrease in the competitiveness of exports, a stoppage of investment and even a stop production in key industries, which will logically drag down the entire economy. Raising tariffs without understanding the needs of business is a signal that the state does not listen to its own producers.” – emphasized Lebedeva.
At the same time, she drew attention to the arguments used by the University to justify the need for promotion, because these arguments are incorrect. In particular, the company cites as an argument that the producer price index (PPI) for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 23.8% compared to the previous quarter. But it is incorrect to count only on the growth of producer prices – because, according to this logic, when producer prices fell by 7.4% in 2020, the UZ had to reduce freight tariffs accordingly. But never during all these years did Ukrzaliznytsia revise tariffs downwards, regardless of the economic situation, the expert emphasized.
“It is also incorrect to compare changes in producer prices on a quarterly basis: this indicator is compared per month or per year relative to the same period of the previous year, that is, using the so-called “base index”. The approach proposed by Ukrzaliznytsia uses the so-called “chain index” (comparison with the nearest previous period), which is suitable for comparing physical volumes (for example, cargo volumes), but not for prices,” Lebedeva stressed.
She also noted that the increase in railway freight rates creates another problem: cargo owners who cannot afford these “golden” services will be forced to switch to road transport, creating an additional burden on the roads. This will lead to deterioration of the road surface, in which billions of budget funds have already been invested.
“Instead of a sharp increase in tariffs, which can only temporarily compensate for the financial difficulties of Ukrzaliznytsia, it is necessary to carry out systemic reforms and improve the efficiency of the company. A simple increase in tariffs will not solve the long-standing problems of the industry. During a war and large-scale economic transformation, it is extremely important to make strategic decisions openly, professionally and with respect to the needs of both producers and society,” Lebedeva summarized.
Earlier, the head of the Federation of Transport Employers, Orest Klympush, said that the increase in tariffs of Ukrzaliznytsia in the conditions of martial law is a step in the wrong direction: because of this, goods will flow to trucks, and we will lose roads, the construction of which billions were spent. In addition, it can lead to a loss of trust among citizens in ministerial decisions.