ROSTOV-ON-DON, October 15. /TASS/. Russia's transport freight turnover increased during the first 8 months of 2026, despite a decline in the performance of southern ports, the Bank of Russia said in its regional economy report seen by TASS.

Such situation has evolved against the backdrop of significant freight turnover growth in the Far East, resulting from the reorientation of a portion of maritime deliveries from southern ports and driven by increased energy exports to Asia, the Central Bank said.

Earlier, due to the tense situation in the Sea of Azov following drone attacks on marine vessels, the Russian Ministry of Transport of Russia organized a special center to coordinate transport operations ensuring cargo logistics in the Azov-Black Sea basin.

"Freight turnover across all modes of transport for the 8 months of the current year increased by 0.2% compared to the same period last year, with growth recorded for all types except pipeline and inland water transport. On the one part, the volume of freight turnover in Russia's southern ports declined when compared to the same period of the last year. On the other part, a significant growth in cargo turnover has been observed since April 2026 in the Far East, driven both by increased energy exports to Asian countries and the reorientation of a portion of maritime deliveries from the ports of southern Russia," the Central Bank informed.