Latvia to direct higher Russian grain transit fees to support Ukraine

Latvia plans to direct additional revenue from higher fees on Russian grain transit to support Ukraine. The Saeima has already approved amendments allowing faster revisions of rail infrastructure charges for such shipments.

The government has recommended raising the fee to 300% of the current level. The final rate will be determined by LatRailNet based on economic justification and regulatory requirements. The new charges could take effect in about three weeks.

The new mechanism will apply to grain cargoes dispatched from railway stations in Russia, including shipments bound for Latvian ports for further export. The key criterion will be the station of origin rather than the declared country of origin of the grain.

The Latvian government says the higher fee is intended to make Russian grain transit less economically attractive and reduce the use of Latvian infrastructure as an alternative export route. Additional revenue generated by the higher charge is planned to be directed to support Ukraine.

At the same time, the Saeima is considering a tougher option — a complete ban on the transit of grain from Russia and Belarus through Latvia. The relevant bill has already been referred to the responsible parliamentary committee.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, grain, restrictions