Economics Grimm warns of price increases due to low water levels
According to economist Veronika Grimm, there is a risk of rising prices due to persistent low water levels on German rivers. DB Cargo is currently planning to reactivate old freight wagons.
Quick Look
- Due to low water levels on German rivers, economist Veronika Grimm warns of price increases for energy and chemicals.
- DB Cargo wants to reactivate old freight wagons to compensate for lost shipping transport.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Persistent low water levels on German rivers are affecting inland shipping and leading to logistical challenges.
Economist Veronika Grimm has predicted rising prices as a result of low water on German rivers and the resulting transport problems. “With inefficient rationing, low water can also drive up prices unnecessarily,” Grimm told the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”. »There are effects in chemistry, including in the energy market. The transport of oil to refineries is affected by the low water levels. How strongly the prices of various raw materials react depends on the storage capacities the companies have built up.
With a view to adapting to climate change, Grimm criticized a lack of foresight in politics. Relaxing the Sunday driving ban for trucks is a correct measure, "but it would be good if people were prepared for such situations instead of discussing emergency measures ad hoc," said Grimm. These effects of climate change are predictable. "Politics does not make a good impression if it moves from crisis to crisis and does not systematically develop strategies for adapting to climate change."
DB Cargo wants to reactivate old freight wagons
The transport problems caused by low water levels cannot simply be solved by deepening rivers. This option must be carefully evaluated – and ecological consequences must also be taken into account. "Deepening in individual parts of the fairway could be advisable, but a deepening does not create additional water." Politicians should therefore also develop plans to prioritize transport.
According to information from the “Rheinische Post”, the railway subsidiary DB Cargo also wants to reactivate old freight wagons in order to compensate for the loss of ship transport. A paper available to the newspaper states that “the reactivation of permanently parked freight wagons is also being examined and prepared.” DB Cargo could “immediately” mobilize 900 wagons, 300 of them immediately. According to DB Cargo boss Bernhard Osburg, 900 wagons could replace 200 inland waterway vessels.
Because of the low water, Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) is committed to shifting ship freight to rail and road. Despite the low river levels, he does not see any supply bottlenecks.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
DB Cargo reactivates old freight wagons to compensate for ship transport.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How quickly can the freight cars actually be reactivated?
- Which specific regions are most affected by price increases?
