KIEV, Dec. 3 - The Federation of Ukrainian Metallurgists has asked President Viktor Yushchenko to prevent another increase in rail freight tariffs planned by the Transportation Ministry and the state railroad administration Ukrzaliznytsia.

The ministry is pushing for a rail tariff increase for selected types of freight effective Jan. 1, 2008. It is proposing to equalize prices for shipments of iron ore, iron ore concentrate, coke, mineral fertilizer and oil products in and out of the country and on domestic routes.