In November 2025, companies failed to present 2.9 million tonnes of coal for loading on the Russian Railways (RZD) network under approved applications, according to a statement published on the RZD Telegram channel citing the Institute for Transport Economics and Development (IEDT).

“According to the review by the Institute for Transport Economics and Development (IEDT), a total of 2.9 million tonnes were not presented during the month, including 1.6 million tonnes for export, of which 1 million tonnes were destined for the eastern direction,” the statement said.

According to IEDT estimates as of the end of November, the efficiency of external shipments of thermal coal increased across all directions: in the eastern direction (+8% compared to the end of October), northwestern (+4.1%), and southern (+0.5%). This was driven by increased demand from China and lower rental rates for gondola cars. Overall, 55% of all coal was loaded in the eastern direction, while 84% of coal shipped east for export was transported in innovative wagons (86% from Kuzbass).

According to IEDT data, to fulfill the declared volume of transportation last month, 322,000 wagons would have been sufficient, while the average daily actual size of the gondola car fleet amounted to 368,000 units, exceeding the calculated requirement by 14%.

Source: TASS.