About increase of grain transportation volume on the RZD network
In July 2014 the seasonal growth of grain transportation has started. The transportation volume on the RZD network amounts to about 1.3 mln tonnes, that is in 25% higher than in July 2013. The growth reason is a record-high grain yield in Russia. The export shipments have been increased by half, however, domestic shipments are staying on the level of 2013. Despite of handling growth, number of grain hoppers involved in transportation of grain cargoes amounts to about a third of the hopper fleet. Therefore, it is speak too soon about possible shortage of yield cars.
In July 2014 the yield of grains amounted to 34,4 mln tonnes, that is in 26% higher that the yield in July 2013. The reason for the growth is high grain yield (+20% in July last year) and increased rate of harvest. Grain and pulse crops were cut on the 9.6 mln hectares, that is in 5 % higher than the harvest area in July 2013.
The cut yield is sufficient for domestic demand, so grain import in July 2014 fell down by twice.
The structure of the grain export has changed significantly. Deliveries in Saudi Arabia, Peru and Yemen were essentially terminated. These deliveries amounts to a third of all export grain shipments from Russia in July 2013. The deliveries in Egypt, Turkey, Israel were increased by 2-3 times. Japan was included in top-3 countries-importers of grain, while in 2013 grain wasn’t supplied in Japan.
Maintenance of grain-hopper fleet remains at a low level despite of shipment growth. The number of 26.6 thousands (63%) of grain-hoppers of 42 thousands of list cars were operated for handling in July 2014. Only 14 thousands of grain hoppers were transporting grain, the other 12 thousands were used for transportation of fertilizers, ores, industrial materials, construction materials and others. Thus, grain hopper fleet is ready for triple growth of grain shipments related to July volumes. There is no question of rolling stock shortage.
Andrey Tsyganov, Head of Research
