Another suspension of Kazakhstan coal transit through the Russian port of Ust-Luga may further constrain thermal coal availability on the European market.
At the request of Russian Railways (RZD), the Council on Rail Transport of the CIS imposed a five-day halt (from 3 to 7 August 2025) on coal deliveries from Kazakhstan to the UPK terminal at Ust-Luga.
This marks the fifth such restriction since the beginning of the year. In May alone, Kazakh coal shipments to Luzhskaya station were suspended four times, totaling 18 days. Additional temporary railway bans were implemented in February, April, and July.
The Ust-Luga port remains a key corridor for Kazakhstan coal exports to the EU. Although EU sanctions, introduced in February 2025, formally exempt coal of Kazakh origin, Russian ports may only be used for direct transit, loading, and dispatch. Blending or other terminal operations are prohibited.
As a result of recurring transit disruptions, Kazakhstan coal shipments to the EU continue to drop. Between January and May 2025, exports to the region reached just 1.6 mio t, compared to 5.2 mio t for the full year 2024 and 6.1 mio t in 2023.
Systemic disruptions in Kazakhstan coal transit highlight logistical and legal issues, while increase the risk of coal shortages on the European market. Limited availability continues to support ARA global benchmarks and raise concerns over thermal coal supply security ahead of the upcoming heating season.
Source: CCA Analysis
