The Rhine River sees its lowest water level in more than a decade for the time of year, raising obstacles to fuel supplies to Europe. Namely, Rhine’s water lever is at its lowest level for mid-October since at 2006.
This fact is taking place at the same while some fuel markets are already tight, because many European refineries are undergoing seasonal maintenance.
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The negative affects of Rhine’s low water level though do not stop there, as high temperatures could lower the water even more, restricting navigation on the river, they could also cause lack of irrigation water for agriculture and limited drinking water supply.
The water level was dropping for nine days in a row and its level is expected to drop below 35 centimeters. The last time that Rhine’s water level was below that limit was 2003. This means that the majority of barges will not be able to sail past Kaub if the barge clearance level is under 50 centimeters.
In addition, prices are affected as well, with the cost of shipping gasoil to Basel, Switzerland, reaching 150 Swiss francs per ton. In the meantime, Germany’s retail diesel price remain at 1,370 euros a kiloliter since October 12.
No improvement is expected to happen soon, as the dry situation in Germany will continue in the next week too.
