In March 2025, KTZ introduced an increasing coefficient of 3.0 for the services of the main railway network (MRN), which significantly increased the cost of export cargo transportation. According to the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken", taking into account the impact of tariffs on the economy, the State Commission ordered KTZ to reduce the tariff index to 1.0 from May 19, but the national carrier is delaying the implementation of this decision.
On this issue, the NCE held an operational meeting with the participation of representatives of business, KTZ and government agencies. Atameken stated that the sharp increase in tariffs for export rail transportation has put entire sectors of the economy at risk of stopping.
"The national carrier refers to the legislation on natural monopolies, according to which any changes come into force after 15 calendar days from the date of signing the decision by the management of JSC NC KTZ, that is, not earlier than June 8. According to the participants, such a delay is unjustified, especially in conditions where losses are already estimated at hundreds of millions of tenge and are accompanied by job cuts,” the NCE reported.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of the NCE Murat Amrin noted that in recent years, the regulated tariff for mainline railway services, locomotive traction and the general tariff in the export direction have increased many times. This has a negative impact on the competitiveness of Kazakhstani goods in foreign markets.
“There is a recommendation from the State Commission, the date for applying the downward indices to 1.0 is set from May 19. If we expect a decrease, as proposed by KTZ, referring to tariff regulation from June 8, this will negatively affect the export of domestic companies, which are already incurring losses,” Murat Amrin said.
Business representatives said that in 2024, the MZhS coefficient was increased three times. The new decision of KTZ caused an outflow of foreign customers, suspension of shipments and downtime at enterprises.
The National Chamber of Entrepreneurs sent a letter to the Ministry of National Economy with a request to clarify the procedure for applying the protocol of the State Commission.
"Based on the results of negotiations initiated by the leadership of the National Chamber with JSC NC KTZ, the Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Transport, an urgent decision on this issue in favor of Kazakhstani business is expected," the NCE reported.
It should be noted that KTZ soon after the introduction of a three-fold increase coefficient for MZhS services, cancelled it for the transportation of grain and flour. However, buckwheat, lentils, pearl barley and other cereals fell under the coefficient of 3.0. These crops were intended for export to China, but the price of shipment by rail increased threefold, which made these goods impassable for export.