Key facts
- The Rhine River has reached record low levels in Germany and the Netherlands.
- Prolonged heatwaves are the cause of the record low river levels.
- Low water levels are impacting river shipping.
- Barge deliveries from the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) hub are restricted.
- Oil product supply in western Germany is tightening.
- Motor fuel availability is particularly impacted.
- Regional price splits for fuel are occurring.
- The Danube and Po rivers are also critically low.
- Low river levels affect power supplies and agriculture.
The Rhine River has fallen to record low levels in Germany and the Netherlands, a consequence of prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions affecting Europe. This critical situation is severely impacting river shipping, with particular concern for the delivery of oil products from the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) hub to western Germany. The restricted capacity of barges due to the low water levels is tightening the supply of motor fuels in the region, leading to noticeable price splits across different areas. Beyond the Rhine, other significant European waterways are also affected; the Danube and Po rivers are critically low, which is having adverse effects on power supplies and agricultural sectors that rely on these water sources. The economic fallout from these low water levels is a growing concern as the drought persists.