Fuel prices in Germany have climbed significantly, driven by historically low water levels on the Rhine and increasing global oil prices.

Fuel costs in Germany have risen sharply, with the average price of Super E10 gasoline reaching €2.162 per liter, up by 3.7 cents compared to last week. Diesel prices saw an even steeper increase, climbing by 5.3 cents to €2.253 per liter. These price hikes are partially attributed to record-low water levels on the Rhine, which have disrupted shipping and fuel transportation along the critical waterway.

Regions near the Rhine are experiencing the highest fuel prices, according to recent data. In North Rhine-Westphalia, diesel prices are leading at €2.254 per liter, while Hessen tops the charts for Super E10 at €2.164 per liter. The historically low water levels at Kaub, a key measurement point between Mainz and Koblenz, have caused significant logistical challenges for fuel transport, exacerbating the price increases.

Global oil prices have also contributed to the surge, with Brent crude and WTI crude both rising by over one percent to $92.12 and $86.05 per barrel, respectively. However, experts argue that these factors alone do not fully justify the elevated fuel costs. The ADAC has criticized the pricing levels, stating that they remain disproportionately high despite the external pressures, calling for greater scrutiny of the market dynamics.