Zaporizhstal operates at 50% due to logistical restrictions, in yearend also reduces production due to shortage of electricity – CEO

KYIV. Jan 25 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Zaporizhstal in 2022 due to logistical restrictions because of war worked at 50% of its capacity, and at the end of the year was forced to further reduce production due to a shortage of electricity as a result of Russian rocket attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

According to the company, the blackout paralyzes the work of many industries. Many small business owners install generators and keep running. But at large industrial enterprises, the generator does not normalize the situation.

At the same time, in addition to problems with electricity, since the beginning of a full-scale war, enterprises have faced a number of difficulties. For example, products that were traditionally transported by sea are now forced to be transported by land. This not only slows down the process, but also increases the cost of the goods several times.

"Due to logistical constraints, we were forced to reduce production volumes by almost 50%. At the end of last year, we faced problems in the energy sector. Therefore, even the volumes that we reached in the first half of 2022 cannot be sustainably maintained. Electricity restrictions lead to the fact that we are forced to stop our production facilities every day, and this has a negative impact on the production process, " said Roman Slobodianiuk, the general director of Zaporizhstal, at a working meeting of the regional and city authorities of Zaporizhia with the heads of enterprises.

He added that after the victory he hopes to return production to its previous capacities in a short period.

"Our task now is to retain specialists and fixed production assets," the top manager said.

He also said that despite the difficulties, Zaporizhstal continues to work and support the country’s economy.