Water levels in the Paraguay River reached an all-time low in the capital of Asuncion today, hindering fuel imports.
River depth at the Asuncion port was 89cm (35 inches) below normal levels for the first time in 120 years of measurement, according to Paraguay's meteorology and hydrology department DMH.
Fuel imports into Paraguay largely depend on 3,000m³-capacity (18,990 bl) barges that carry product from the 171km (106-mile) mark of the Parana Guacu River, in the Parana River's delta in Argentina.
As a result, barges are being loaded to about 80pc of capacity, or 2,500m³ each. One of the three docks belonging to state-owned oil company Petropar is inoperative because of the low river level in Villa Elisa, in Asuncion's metropolitan region. Another Petropar dock has a stationary barge serving as a bridge to access another barge.
Still, freight tariffs have not increased yet, market participants said.
The river's low levels are the result of scarce rainfall amid a persistent drought for the last few years, DMH said.
DMH forecasts below-average rains in most of the region and especially in the Paraguay River basin for the next months.
