Loading at ports in Russia's Far East drops 25% in Nov; problems sending container cargo to area persist - Russian Central Bank

VLADIVOSTOK. Dec 12 (Interfax) - Loading at warehouse and port terminals in Russia's Far East dropped 25% in November compared to August, the Central Bank of Russia said in a commentary on the regional economy.

"An increase in the number of container trains, including gondola cars, sent from the Far East to the western regions of the country in September-October facilitated this [reduction in loading]. Enterprises said that the waiting times for sending cargo reduced by nearly half in October-November versus September," the Central Bank said.

Meantime, problems persisted with sending container cargo to the Far East. Trade and transport companies said that approximately one-third fewer applications for railway transportation were approved in November than in October.

Prices for railway transportation from Vladivostok to Moscow continued to rise owing to high demand.

Cargo turnover at Far East ports also notably increased 8.2% month-on-month in October predominantly owing to an increase in supplies of coal, container cargo, as well as oil and petroleum products.