Water levels in the Rhine River are at extreme lows as a result of the severe drought that occurred in Europe this year. The low water levels are increasing river congestion and leading to difficulties moving cargo by means of the river. This had led to shortages of commodities such as natural gas, a key source of heating and energy in Germany. The European price of natural gas increased by over 10% as a result of these difficulties and emergency stockpiles were at one point used to remedy the shortfall. This ongoing situation is disrupting normal economic activity and threatens economic growth.
