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Low Rhine water levels constrain German fuel supply

  • Mercados: Oil products
  • 26/10/26

Low Rhine water levels are increasingly leaving fuel terminals in western Germany short of supplies, particularly diesel, as constrained barge capacity disrupts deliveries. HVO spot availability at Rhine locations also remained limited.

Several traders reported that supplies had run out at terminals operated by different companies in the week ending 23 October, with diesel particularly affected.

Heating oil shortages were also reported at Bayernoil's 207,000 b/d Vohburg-Neustadt refinery complex following a sharp increase in October demand. An inspection that began in October 2025 has left only one heating oil tank available, restricting storage capacity.

Supply constraints also affected terminals on the Mittelland Canal. Low Rhine water levels have prompted more barge operators to divert north through the Ems and into the canal.

The Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) said in early October that the route through the Dollart and Dortmund-Ems Canal had become the main alternative for traffic heading towards the Ruhr region. Traffic was running at twice its normal level, pushing the route to its capacity limits.

HVO availability remained severely restricted at storage terminals reliant on Rhine deliveries. Traders said available transport capacity was being prioritised for conventional fuels, making commercially viable HVO imports difficult.

The WSA expects Rhine water levels to rise in the week ending 30 October before falling again in the first week of November.


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