It is noted that the cost of transporting goods along the river in 2022 increased five times, and economic growth by the end of the year may decrease by 0.5%.
According to the forecasts of the German authorities, the water level in the Rhine near the city of Kauba will already drop below 40 cm and continue to decrease, and therefore large vessels may encounter difficulties when crossing the river.
According to the representative of the German logistics company HGK, Christian Lorenz, due to low water levels, ships carrying salt along the river from Heilbronn to Cologne are currently only able to carry about 600 tons of cargo instead of the usual 2,200 tons.
Earlier, the co-chairman of the German Left Party, Martin Schirdevan, said that he feared a difficult situation in the German society as a result of adverse factors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis and inflation.