Klimawandel: Dürre macht Sprit teurer – lokale Engpässe möglich
Vor allem im Westen Deutschlands sind die Spritpreise derzeit tendenziell höher. Und wenn die Pegelstände am Rhein weiter sinken, werden sogar lokale Versorgungsengpässe wahrscheinlicher.
In recent times, motorists have noticed that the low water level in the Rhine is driving up fuel prices. Christian Laberer, an ADAC fuel market expert, stated that the currently low water in the Rhine is contributing to higher fuel prices. This is one of several factors affecting fuel prices, as the Rhine is also used for transporting oil, gasoline, and diesel through large tankers, which is usually cheaper than using smaller trucks.
The higher logistics costs for transporting fuel and raw materials are partly due to the current low water level, according to Laberer. The German market is supplied not only through the Rhine but also via a network of seaports, refineries, pipelines, and rail and road transport. The Rhine is Europe's most important waterway, and low water levels can make it difficult for ships to carry as much cargo, complicate the supply of raw materials to industry, and strain supply chains.
Efforts are being made to address the consequences of low water, but the general railway closure on Sundays and public holidays has not yet been relaxed. Transport costs are increasing as trucks and trains are used alternatively, but their capacities are also limited, leading to higher transport costs. Despite the higher transport costs, the fuel stations' operations are still running normally, including supply to heating oil, airports, and industry.
The higher costs are evident in regional fuel price distribution, with North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse being the most expensive states for gasoline and two among the most expensive for diesel. The differences amount to a few cents, with some regions in Bavaria offering cheaper fuel, especially in its southern half. The low water level is putting increasing pressure on the German economy, as the Rhine is Europe's most important waterway.
Currently, discussions are taking place about measures to mitigate the effects of low water, while the general closure of the Rhine for trucks on Sundays and public holidays has been lifted in several states.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
