Luxembourg Warns of Fuel Shortages at Gas Stations

Luxembourg's ministry of the economy has issued an official warning about possible local shortages and delays in fuel deliveries to gas stations. The petroleum products market is facing a tense situation, though the government maintains that the country's overall energy security remains assured.

The threat of shortages stems from a combination of logistical problems in the supply chain. A prolonged drought has lowered water levels in the Rhine and Moselle rivers, significantly limiting the amount of fuel that river barges can safely transport.

The situation is further complicated by planned maintenance work on the Luxembourg-Wasserbillig-Trier railway line. Its closure will temporarily block access to the port of Mertert, a key hub for the transport of petroleum products.

Fuel supplies are also being hampered by extensive wildfires in Belgium's High Fens region. The partial closure of the Albert Canal has disrupted shipping deliveries to Liège, an important supply point for several Luxembourg fuel importers.

The ministry is monitoring the situation and has called on companies and operators to improve coordination. It says that under the current exceptional circumstances, temporary fuel shortages at individual gas stations cannot be completely ruled out.

(luxtoday, max)