The year 2026 may become a period of railway tariff revisions across the Eurasian region. Several countries have already announced plans to increase tariffs, while others are engaged in negotiations and discussions regarding potential adjustments to their tariff policies. Undoubtedly, these changes will affect the cost of rail freight transportation. We have prepared a brief overview based on reports from industry media. And what are your forecasts for developments in the sector in the coming year?
Kazakhstan Considers Rail Tariff Increases in Q2 2026
NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) has submitted an application to the regulator seeking approval of new railway network tariffs for 2026. Kazakhstan’s business community has opposed this initiative, warning that higher rail transport costs would lead to price increases for flour, bread, compound feed, food products, and even utility services. The Entrepreneurs’ Committee noted that rail tariffs in Kazakhstan were increased three times in 2023, five times in 2024, and three times in 2025. The most recent increase in export rail tariffs in spring 2025 resulted in a decline in foreign purchases of Kazakh coal. One month has been allocated for a decision on this issue. At the same time, the regulator stated that no increases in railway network and siding access charges will be applied in Q1 2026, as a moratorium on tariff increases for all natural monopolies is in force in Kazakhstan during this period.
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Possible Tariff Adjustments in Uzbekistan in 2026
The most recent increase in domestic freight tariffs in Uzbekistan (approximately 30%) was announced in December 2024. Throughout 2025, Uzbekistan actively invested in rolling stock renewal programs. The need for additional investment may affect tariff policy in 2026. So far, there have been no official clarifications from the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan regarding new tariffs. However, significant regulatory changes are already being implemented, including the transition to market-based tariff formation, directives to reduce the tariff burden on carriers, and legislative reforms in the railway transport sector.
Rail Tariffs in Lithuania May Increase by 6–20%
According to industry media reports, LTG Cargo plans to increase railway infrastructure charges and tariffs for certain categories of freight transportation by approximately 6-20% starting from January 1, 2026. The company has publicly announced increases in base and service rates. This will inevitably affect overall logistics costs and may indirectly influence the pricing of other transport operators in the region. In addition, LTG Infra has announced plans to index railway infrastructure access charges from 2026. These changes have not yet been officially approved.
Railway Infrastructure Tariffs to Increase in Latvia in 2026
Latvijas dzelzceļš (LDz) has officially approved an increase in infrastructure charges, citing declining transit volumes and the need to cover railway network maintenance costs.
Changes to Railway Infrastructure Access Charges Under Discussion in Estonia
There is no confirmed information in public sources regarding a nationwide increase in rail freight tariffs in Estonia. However, discussions are ongoing regarding adjustments to charges for the use of railway infrastructure and access to the rail network. Eesti Raudtee has already announced its intention to revise infrastructure access charges by segment and axle load. This is not expected to be a sharp increase, but rather an indexation and recalibration of specific coefficients.
Azerbaijan and Georgia May Revise Tariff Structures
In the Caucasus region, there are currently no government directives mandating large-scale tariff increases. However, regional Trans-Caspian agreements on tariff harmonization within the Middle Corridor (Azerbaijan – Georgia – Kazakhstan), adopted in October 2025, are likely to result in adjustments to tariff structures in 2026.
Amendments to the MTT Under Consideration in Turkmenistan
Discussions on amendments to the International Railway Transit Tariff Agreement (MTT) aimed at updating tariff policy in Turkmenistan have been ongoing since 2023. However, there is currently no official information confirming any approved changes that would take effect in 2026.
Localized Tariff Increases Possible in Kyrgyzstan
These potential increases are linked to a regulation that came into force in June 2025, granting investors involved in railway infrastructure development projects in Kyrgyzstan the right to independently set freight tariffs on domestic routes within an established range, as well as to introduce charges for additional services. This resolution was adopted as part of the construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway, including financing for the development of the Torugart – Jalal-Abad section.