FAS proposes limiting RZD participation in capital of competing transport companies, transferring infrastructure control to authorities
MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax) - The Russian authorities are discussing substantially amending the operating terms and conditions of JSC Russian Railways in the competing segments of Russia's transport market, according to the description of the tasks for the latest Developing Competition federal project, as prepared by the Federal Anti-monopoly Service.
The FAS specifically proposes limiting or completely banning the RZD natural monopoly from participating in the capital of transport operators, logistics centers and forwarding companies.
"Regarding railway transport, it is proposed to terminate natural monopoly transport entities from participating in companies operating in competing markets. Upon implementing the measure, corporate entities operating in competitive markets with a participating interest of the carrier will be absent, namely operators, logistics centers, and transport and forwarding companies," according to the text of the description reviewed by Interfax.
Natural monopolies fully exiting the capital of said companies or the conservative scenario of reducing participation to 8.5% are under consideration.
"It is also proposed to transfer control functions from the owner of the railway transport infrastructure to an authorized government entity," according to the FAS' prepared materials.
The FAS has declined to comment on the proposals. The press service of the Economic Development Ministry, which oversees the Efficient and Competitive Economy national project, has also declined to comment on the proposals.
As reported, the Developing Competition federal project must be part of the Efficient and Competitive Economy 2030 national project. Upon completion of a strategy session on June 25, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin instructed the relative departments to prepare documentation for the Efficient and Competitive Economy 2030 national project, with the federal projects included, by the beginning of August.
A previously published government press release indicated that, "a separate federal project to develop competition in the economy could be formed or another action plan could be prepared for 2026-2030" as part of the latest national project.
"The Federal Anti-monopoly Service, the Economic Development Ministry, and the Industry and Trade Ministry are responsible for the matter. They must pay particular attention to the current conditions regarding the structural transformation of the economy, restructuring logistics routes, and development of technology markets," the cabinet of ministers said.