A possible ban on the movement of trucks with valid passes and a change in traffic routes in Moscow carries significant risks for business. This was announced to Izvestia on April 30 by Maxim Novikov, President of the Union of Juice, Water and Beverage Producers, commenting on the reports of the Moscow Department of Transport that the city authorities had postponed the introduction of restrictions on the movement of trucks on the Moscow Ring Road for almost a month and a half.
According to him, now the market participants of soft drinks, juices and packaged water receive passes on the basis of zoning, and not a specific route. In the summer, when demand for beverages rises, producers will have to “respond quickly” to increased consumer demand and dynamic routes, which is the most efficient way to ensure uninterrupted delivery to retail outlets.
According to the estimates of the members of the union, fluctuations in the cost of cargo transportation can vary around 30%, and this is only a transport load. If we take into account related services, for example, warehousing, then this figure can grow.
“As a consequence, this can have an impact on the final cost of products on the shelf. Additional costs will be in the form of paying fines for cars on each flight in the event that passes for cars are not issued, “Novikov concluded.
Earlier on the same day, the Moscow Department of Transport said that the capital’s mayor’s office, due to business complaints, postponed the introduction of restrictions on the passage of trucks weighing 3.5 tons or more within the Moscow Ring Road from May 5 to June 15.
The decision was substantiated by the upcoming weekend in May, during which many citizens will leave the city, risking not having time to collect the necessary documents and submit an application. The employees who are responsible for issuing passes will work as usual during the period from May 1 to May 10, so those who wish can submit applications within the specified time frame.
Earlier, on April 20, it became known that food suppliers and carriers asked the Cabinet of Ministers to cancel the new rules for the delivery of goods in Moscow, which, among other things, restrict the movement of trucks from 3.5 tons within the Moscow Ring Road.
They complained that new requirements could increase costs for all participants in the supply chain, increase prices for consumers. Also, the new rules threaten to break contracts and a shortage of trucks in the capital. Market participants asked the government to assess their implications and to abolish the requirements for compliance with a fixed route, mandatory connection to RNIS and separation of passes.
The cost of transportation services in January-February this year increased by about 10%, and market participants expected further growth.