Russian Railways (RZD) can now offer 10-year discounts for freight, including crude and refined products. It hopes the rates will provide longer-term stability for shippers, encouraging them not to switch to alternative means of transport. The change was requested because of declining demand for oil transport by rail - it was authorised by federal anti-monopoly service FAS and came into force from 17 August. Previously, RZD could offer discounts for a maximum of five years. The company has the right to offer discounts at its own discretion, but an 8pc export surcharge in place this year will not be applied from 2019.
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