Russia‘s fuel crisis is no longer limited to the energy sector and is increasingly affecting the logistics industry. Rising diesel prices, the reduction of corporate fuel discounts, and fuel supply restrictions have significantly increased operating costs, reduced fleet productivity, and extended delivery times.
Market participants report that the most severe disruptions are occurring on southern routes and international corridors, where trucking companies are facing long queues at fuel stations and periodic fuel shortages.
Fuel Card Discounts Nearly Disappear
One of the biggest challenges for transport operators has been the sharp reduction in discounts offered through fuel card programs.
While major carriers were previously able to purchase diesel fuel with discounts of up to 16%, those discounts have now fallen to approximately 3.5%, with some fuel suppliers eliminating corporate discount programs altogether.
At the same time, many fuel station networks have switched to selling fuel exclusively at daily market prices, without allowing customers to use accumulated bonuses or previously negotiated pricing agreements.
Small transport companies and owner-operators have been particularly affected. In many regions they are subject to the same fuel purchase limits as private motorists, often restricted to around 60 liters per transaction, while larger logistics companies continue to receive significantly higher fuel allocations under corporate agreements.
Southern Russia and China Routes Face the Greatest Challenges
The most serious supply disruptions have been reported in the Krasnodar region and Crimea, where waiting times at filling stations can last for several hours or even an entire day.
International transport routes serving China have also been heavily affected. Carriers report lower daily driving distances, longer refueling delays, and reduced schedule reliability.
According to industry estimates, trucks that previously covered 600–700 kilometers per day are now often limited to approximately 500 kilometers.
Some major logistics providers have begun partially rerouting freight through Kazakhstan, where diesel supplies remain more stable, although the alternative corridor introduces additional customs procedures and operational complexities.
International Freight Rates Rising Faster Than Domestic Prices
The increase in diesel prices has had the strongest impact on international transport operations.
Diesel prices on several international corridors have risen from 70–72 rubles per liter to 77–90 rubles, contributing to an average 5% increase in international freight rates.
Several logistics companies have already informed customers that transport tariffs will rise by at least 10% from the beginning of July.
The China-Europe corridor has seen some of the steepest increases. Over the past week, the cost of transporting a full truckload from Manzhouli to Moscow has increased by approximately 50,000–70,000 rubles, compared with the previous benchmark of 760,000–830,000 rubles per shipment.
For now, further price increases are being partially offset by long-term fuel supply contracts, freight rates denominated in foreign currencies, and customers postponing bookings while waiting for market conditions to stabilize.
Carriers Are Rejecting Long-Haul Routes
The fuel crisis is also changing operational strategies across the trucking sector.
Many fleet owners are declining long-distance contracts in favor of shorter regional deliveries within large metropolitan areas. The main concern is the uncertainty surrounding fuel availability along federal highways.
Smaller transport companies have adopted a wait-and-see approach, either reducing the number of accepted orders or significantly increasing freight rates to compensate for higher operating costs.
According to industry estimates, freight rates on some major domestic routes have already increased by around 10%, although seasonal demand for transporting fruit, vegetables, and other agricultural products is also contributing to higher prices.
Rail Transport Is Unlikely to Replace Trucking
Despite rising road transport costs, industry experts do not expect a significant shift of freight volumes to rail.
Road transport continues to offer advantages in delivery speed, routing flexibility, and true door-to-door service.
Only certain low-value bulk cargoes on long-distance routes, particularly between Russia’s Far East and the European part of the country, may shift to rail. However, rail freight is also facing challenges, including container shortages and rising logistics costs.
Further Freight Rate Increases Expected
Industry representatives warn that freight prices will continue to rise unless fuel supply conditions improve in the coming weeks.
Fuel accounts for roughly 30% of total long-haul trucking operating costs. As a result, a 10% increase in diesel prices translates into approximately a 3% increase in transportation costs, excluding additional expenses caused by waiting times, lower daily mileage, and vehicle downtime.
Experts also warn that some small carriers may be forced to leave the market because they lack access to corporate fuel contracts and bulk purchasing discounts. A reduction in available transport capacity would place additional upward pressure on freight rates during the second half of 2026.
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