Transport problems: Low water: Economist Grimm predicts rising prices
Prices could rise for various raw materials, the economist warns. She criticizes politicians for acting short-sightedly instead of preparing for such situations.
Economic expert Veronika Grimm has predicted rising prices as a result of low water levels on German rivers and the transport problems caused by this. "If rationing is inefficient, low water levels can also drive prices up unnecessarily," Grimm told the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger". "There are effects in the chemical industry, also in the energy market.
The transport of oil to refineries is affected by the low water levels." How strongly prices react to low water levels for various raw materials depends on the storage capacities that companies have built up.
With regard to adaptations to climate change, Grimm criticized a lack of foresight in politics. Relaxing the Sunday driving ban for trucks was a correct measure, "however, it would be good if one were prepared for such situations instead of discussing ad hoc emergency measures," Grimm said. These effects of climate change are predictable. "Politics does not make a good impression if it hangs from crisis to crisis and does not systematically develop strategies for adapting to climate change."
The transport problems caused by low water levels cannot be solved simply by deepening rivers. This option must be carefully evaluated - and ecological consequences must also be considered. "Deepening at individual points in the fairways may be indicated, but deepening does not create additional water."
The policy should therefore also draw up plans for prioritizing transports. DB Cargo wants to reactivate old freight wagons. Meanwhile, according to information from the "Rheinische Post", the railway subsidiary DB Cargo wants to reactivate old freight wagons to compensate for failed ship transports. In a paper available to the newspaper, it is stated that "the reactivation of permanently decommissioned freight cars is also being checked and prepared".
DB Cargo can "immediately" mobilize 900 wagons, 300 of them immediately. 900 wagons could replace 200 inland waterway vessels, according to DB Cargo CEO Bernhard Osburg. Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) is advocating for shifting ship freight to rails and roads due to low water levels.
Translated by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report; automated translation may contain errors. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
