Russia’s leading coal exporters have halted foreign shipments via the OTEKO terminal in Taman, citing tariff levels that they view as prohibitive, a move reported by Kommersant. The dispute centers on the cost structure for transferring coal through the terminal, where the base handling charge has been quoted at $24.50 per ton, while the contracted amounts that buyers actually pay feature a wide spread, with increases of $10, $20, or even $40 per ton in some deals. This price tension comes as buyers push back against what they see as an inflated transfer fee, arguing that it erodes competitiveness in overseas markets and undermines the economic rationale for using the Taman facility. (Kommersant)
Industry data gathered by Kpler indicates that no coal-carrying vessels departed from the port in the window from January 22 to February 4, underscoring the severity of the crisis in the port’s utilization. Taman now stands as the fourth major commercial port in the Russian Federation, following the larger hubs at Vostochny, Vanino, and Ust-Luga, where export logistics have long been a more predictable route for shipments. The lull at Taman points to a broader reexamination of export routes by major producers, amid shifting tariffs, contractual terms, and the evolving policy backdrop. (Kpler)
In February, Raspadskaya formally announced its decision not to route cargoes through Taman. Other large coal producers, including Sibanthracite, Kuzbassrazrezugol, and SUEK, have also opted to bypass the port. The collective abstention by these players signals a significant shift in shipment planning, risk assessment, and port preference for the industry’s major operators, who weigh the cost of entry against the reliability and speed of alternative export channels. Within corporate circles, the move is viewed as a strategic response to tariff architecture and port congestion dynamics, alongside considerations about seasonality and demand cycles in international markets. (Industry sources)
According to one source connected to the publication, February did not yield a single new application for cargo handling at OTEKO, suggesting a pause in outbound coal flow through the facility. In response, OTEKO asserted that coal shipments remained active, claiming that total demand during the period when applications were submitted exceeded 4 million tons. This discrepancy highlights the tension between official notices and private sector business planning, as firms recalibrate their loadings in light of fee structures, shipping costs, and the broader export outlook. Analysts note that the terminal’s credentialing and contracting practices are under scrutiny, which could influence future participation and pricing negotiations. (Source to publication)
Meanwhile, policy shifts in Moscow have rippled through the sector. The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation recently approved a new increase in the mining tax on coal, a development that directly affects producer margins and the economics of export pricing. The tax revision adds a layer of fiscal pressure on a market already contending with tariff volatility and exchange-rate fluctuations, prompting industry players to revisit pricing models, supply commitments, and long-term export strategies. Observers argue that the tax change is likely to be felt across procurement and logistics decisions, potentially accelerating moves toward diversification of export routes or shifts in contract terms to preserve margins. (Ministry of Finance announcement)
Historically, analysts have anticipated a possible decline in coal production, a trend that would compound the current export frictions. If production declines materialize, exporters may seek to preserve market share by prioritizing more cost-efficient routes, renegotiating power station contracts, and leveraging higher-grade coal with favorable pricing in key international markets. The combination of higher taxes, tariff pressures at the terminal, and shifting production expectations creates a complex landscape that the sector must navigate with careful financial and logistical planning. Stakeholders continue to monitor port throughput data, contract settlements, and policy signals to gauge medium-term prospects for Russia’s coal export framework. (Market commentary)