Rhine River water levels drop further, pushing up barge freight rates; the cost of transporting diesel to Switzerland rises to over 228 euros per ton.

Due to the continued historically low water levels at the key Kaub section of the Rhine River, the cost of transporting diesel and gasoline along the river has risen again. It is predicted that the water level at this section will drop to 19 centimeters by September 15, at which point the channel will be almost impassable. The inland shipping company Riverlake pointed out that currently, barges traveling from Rotterdam to Kaub can only carry about 254 tons of cargo, just one-tenth of their standard capacity. The company warned that limited carrying capacity will continue to push up freight prices on the Rhine. Data shows that diesel barge freight rates from Rotterdam to Switzerland rose to over 228 euros per ton on Thursday, a new high since August 20, though still below this summer's historic peak.