Tense
Luxembourg's Economy Ministry has warned that some petrol stations could face local shortages or delivery delays as several key fuel transport routes come under pressure.
In a press release on Wednesday, the ministry described the situation on the national petroleum products market as "tense", although it stressed that the country's overall energy supply remains secure.
Luxembourg relies on a combination of ships, trains, and lorries to import petroleum products. In recent weeks, however, all three parts of that logistics chain have faced growing constraints.
Low water levels on the Rhine and Moselle, caused by the prolonged dry weather, have reduced the amount of fuel that can be transported by barge. Suppliers have consequently had to adapt their routes to maintain deliveries to filling stations.
Further disruption is expected from next week, when railway works on the Luxembourg, Wasserbillig, Trier line will temporarily close the route. The line provides access to the port of Mertert, an important hub for fuel transport, meaning greater pressure will be placed on other modes of transport.
The situation has also been complicated by the wildfires in Belgium's High Fens. The partial closure of the Albert Canal to facilitate firefighting operations has affected barge deliveries towards the Liege region, which is an important supply point for several Luxembourg fuel importers. Delays have been possible since Monday.
The Economy Ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation and encouraging stronger coordination between the various companies and operators involved in the supply chain.
While Luxembourg's energy security is currently assured, the ministry said localised supply constraints and delays at individual filling stations could not be ruled out under the exceptional circumstances.
Drought drops the rivers, fire closes the canal, rail works shut the line to Mertert. Three transport modes, three separate crises, all at once. The ministry calls it "tense." That's one word for it.