Transport costs soar amid low water levels in Rhine

The exceptionally low water level of the Rhine is causing difficulties for fuel logistics to Switzerland, with transport costs soaring from CHF22–28 ($27-34) to as much as CHF240 per tonne from Rotterdam to Basel. According to the Swiss Touring Club (TCS), this increase translates into a rise in prices at the pump of between 12 and 16 centimes per litre of petrol. The cause is the river running dry, forcing barges to travel with loads reduced to a minimum, with the stretch at Kaub…