Germany news: Some shipping stops as Rhine hits new lows
The summer heat is not only causing water levels in Germany's key river arteries to drop to dangerously low levels, but also contributing to wildfires in several areas. Follow DW for more.
Germany's Rhine river has hit record-low water levels, prompting some shipping stops and impacting fuel prices. The inland navigation agency WSV reported the gauge at Kaub, near Koblenz, fell to 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) on Tuesday, indicating the river depth is about 115 centimeters at its deepest point. This low level has forced most cargo vessel owners to stop shipping on the river past Kaub.
Germany's largest motoring club, ADAC, noted that the Rhine's low levels are pushing fuel prices up at filling stations, particularly in the Rhine's heartland in western Germany, as freight barges are well suited to transporting oil, gasoline, and diesel. The shortage of river capacity has increased logistics costs for the transport of fuels and certain products.
Meanwhile, Germany's football federation has announced it will bring back standing tickets for national team matches for the first time in over 25 years, citing strong fan demand.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
