Rhine hits record low water level, disrupting German freight transport

On 4–5 August 2026 the Rhine’s water level fell to historic lows. At the key gauge station in Kaub the level dropped to 24 cm, breaking the previous record of 25 cm set in 2018. In Worms the gauge read zero centimetres, a figure that reflects the reference point rather than an empty river, but it underscored the severity of the drought.

The low water has crippled inland shipping. Vessels can only carry about a third of their normal cargo, forcing many to travel half‑laden or remain in port. Transport costs between Rotterdam and Karlsruhe have surged to €150‑160 per tonne, up from €45 at the end of June. Economists warn that the resulting supply bottlenecks could lift German inflation by up to half a percentage point in the short term.

The situation is attributed to an extended heat wave with temperatures above 30 °C and a lack of rainfall, leaving the river’s flow dramatically reduced. German authorities have convened a crisis meeting with industry stakeholders to address the immediate logistical challenges and mitigate broader economic impacts.