Latvia raises rail transit tariffs for Russian grain by 25%

New tariffs for the use of railway infrastructure for Russian grain transit came into effect in Latvia on October 13, 2026. Infrastructure access charges increased by an average of 25%, raising logistics costs for grain transportation through the country. The decision was made by LatRailNet, a subsidiary of the state-owned railway company Latvijas dzelzceļš (LDz).

According to LatRailNet Chairwoman Justina Hudenko, increases in individual components of railway infrastructure charges range from 21.4% to 27.4%. The average tariff increase is 25%, and the new rates will remain in effect until the end of 2026.

Before making the decision, the company assessed the economic and legal implications of the tariff changes. In particular, it analyzed how freight volumes affect railway infrastructure maintenance costs and the specific characteristics of the relevant freight market segment. Independent industry experts were also involved in reviewing the calculations and conclusions.

The new tariffs will apply to all railway operators transporting cargo in the relevant category, regardless of their ownership structure or country of registration. Thus, the increased transit charges will be applied uniformly to all operators using Latvia’s railway infrastructure for such shipments.

Higher rail transit costs could further increase expenses for Russian grain exports via alternative routes. Amid restrictions on maritime transportation through the Black Sea and the redirection of some cargo flows to the Baltic region, rising tariffs could weaken the price competitiveness of Russian grain in international markets.

Tags: logistics, Latvia, rail transportation, grain