Russian truckers face fuel crisis as diesel prices and freight costs surge

Fuel shortages and rising diesel prices are disrupting road freight across Russian regions. Trucking companies are now warning clients of sharp price increases, with some hikes already in effect. The crisis is particularly acute on China-bound routes, where costs have surged dramatically. Diesel prices have jumped by 10–15 rubles per litre, forcing carriers to adjust their budgets. In Primorsky Krai, authorities have restricted fuel sales for heavy trucks to prevent speculative buying. These measures have slashed daily mileage on China routes to just 500 km, with delays at fuel stations adding to the strain.

The financial impact is already visible. Georgy Vlastopulo of Optimalog reports that trucking rates from China have risen by an average of $700 per trip. Alexey Chernyshev of AKFA adds that fuel shortages have pushed up costs by 50–70,000 rubles per truck on these routes. Tatyana Patuzhnaya, founder of Sigma, expects tariff increases of at least 10% from July 1.

Despite the rising costs, road freight still offers advantages in flexibility and speed. Trains remain cheaper only for long-haul shipments, such as those from the Far East to European Russia. However, small carriers will feel the squeeze most, with international road freight rates potentially climbing by 15–20%. The fuel crisis is pushing up transport costs across the board. Companies are bracing for further price hikes, with road freight rates set to rise significantly from next month. The situation is forcing carriers to reassess operations, though a major shift to rail remains unlikely.