Railways return to diesel in the UK

The severe energy crisis in the UK led railway operators to give up electricity to re-accept electricity. Diesel traction In your engines. Friedliner, one of the leaders in the sector, announced in a press release last Thursday (14) that it had made the temporary change “in order to maintain an economic preference for the transportation of vital goods”.

“As a result of higher prices in the UK wholesale electricity market, the price of network rail [empresa pública que gerencia a infraestrutura de transportes no país] We charge more than 210% to run electrical services in September and October, ”the report said. “It simply came to our notice then Electricity There was an increase in the cost of operating freight services.

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The gas crisis is leading the railways back to diesel

What Not in BrazilGas and light prices in the UK have risen sharply in recent months. This is because demand for natural gas increased as economies reopened after the production of renewable sources such as the Govt-19 epidemic and wind farms. Expected performance not found.

For example, a barrel of gas is traded for about US $ 200 (approximately R $ 1,100), creating a 268% increase in the price of electricity. The reference value for diesel in Europe reaches US $ 98 (approximately R $ 540), the highest in three years.

“The significant increase in the cost of electricity has led some operators to make the unfortunate decision to temporarily switch back to diesel engines,” says the RFG (Rail Freight Group), another large group in the UK. “Our members assure us that this is a temporary measure and will continue to be considered.”

Most freightliner electrified services have already been temporarily replaced by diesel. According to the company, 23 of the 162 engines in its active fleet are battery-powered.

Intimidating food supply

The rail transport problem not only affects the British pocket book, but also puts pressure on the worst problem: food supply. Not only because of the high cost of fuel, but also because of the lack of workers to carry gasoline to gas stations.

According to UK Association of LogisticsThe UK needs about 90,000 lorry drivers to stop the crisis. This is a number that the country cannot meet due to cycle problems: Brexit, Drivers who once boarded and disembarked on the island now need a work visa. As a result, it has become more difficult to carry supplies and important items – such as food.

The crisis is also affecting the purchasing power of UK consumers. In August, inflation hit 3.2%, the highest level in a decade Chance of reaching 4% in December, According to Bank of England forecasts.

Via Train News e BBC

Image: Kev Gregory / Shutterstock

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