The volunteer-operated Swanage Railway in Dorset is facing significant increases in fuel costs to run its historic steam locomotives, with daily coal expenses reaching approximately £1,500. The heritage railway, which operates passenger services between Norden, Corfe Castle, and the coastal town of Swanage, has experienced a fourfold rise in coal prices since early 2022.

This surge follows the United Kingdom’s ban on imports of Russian coal and related products as part of sanctions imposed in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Prior to the ban, Swanage Railway typically sourced high-quality Russian coal at around £100 per tonne. The restricted supply has forced the railway to seek alternative coal supplies, which are often of lower quality and retail at approximately £400 per tonne.

The increased fuel costs have translated into heightened operational expenses for the railway. A single shovelful of coal now costs roughly £5, and during a typical round trip, firemen must shovel coal at least 50 times to maintain optimal steam locomotive performance. This equates to about £250 in fuel costs for one journey, not including additional expenditures such as water, oil, insurance, and maintenance.

Despite these financial pressures, the staff and volunteers behind the Swanage Railway remain committed to preserving the traditional steam railway experience for visitors in the Purbeck area. The railway continues to operate full-size passenger services, navigating the challenges posed by disrupted coal supply chains and increased fuel prices to keep its heritage operations running.