KTZ +23.5% and Aktau→Iran freight at $70/t: the leg is getting more expensive

From 21 September 2026, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy raised the mainline network tariff by 23.5%. In the source’s wheat context that adds about $2–3/t to export transport costs toward Saryagash.

There is an acute wagon shortage from delays at loading and unloading stations, while the pace of grain exports is rising.

Caspian logistics costs: freight Aktau → northern Iranian ports rose by $10/t over the week, to $70/t. Astrakhan rates rose by $16/t, to $110/t. The Grain Union of Kazakhstan: these freight levels are unprecedented for the routes.

For OOG, when the rail mainline tariff and Caspian freight spike together, project-cargo quotes and last-mile lowbed and curtainsider road train schedules move as well. Clients should lock ferry and Ro-Ro slots and axle permits earlier — not after container rates settle.