150 Trucks with Chinese Goods Stranded in Kyrgyzstan Amid Kazakh-Russian Border Delays

Due to problems at the Kazakh-Russian border, 150 trucks carrying Chinese goods have been stranded in Kyrgyzstan for over a month, Orda.kz reports.

The vehicles have been stuck at the Torugart border crossing, according to representatives of transport companies who spoke at a press conference in Bishkek.

The drivers said the trucks were supposed to unload in Kant before continuing to Russia via Kazakhstan. However, after stricter customs controls were introduced in Kazakhstan, exports came to a halt. The drivers claim their keys were confiscated, and customers are using the trucks as storage to avoid unloading fees.

Each vehicle is parked with a 25–26 ton load. We can’t even pick up the equipment. We’re not getting paid for downtime, rent, or loans, and the customer isn’t addressing the issue,
said carrier Kairat Soorbekov.

His colleague Nursultan Tolobek uulu added that at first they were told the issue was due to “incorrect documents,” but later received no response at all.

The drivers are demanding compensation of $50 per day for each truck.

Industry representatives have called on the governments of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to intervene and resolve the issue diplomatically with China.

Currently, due to increased customs inspections, about 2,500 trucks carrying Chinese goods remain stuck at the Kazakh-Russian border.

Earlier, the situation was discussed between Serik Zhumangarin, head of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy, and the Russian ambassador. Kazakh drivers have also complained about being placed on the “register of controlled persons” and facing restrictions on their stay in Russia.

Reportedly, the restrictions were later removed.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov