Luxembourg's supply of petroleum products relies on a network combining transport by barge, rail and road, three essential links in ensuring a steady flow of deliveries. For several weeks, however, this logistics chain has been under pressure, with constraints affecting its main transport routes. In response, the Ministry of the Economy is closely monitoring supply flows and stands ready to take action, if necessary, to mitigate any potential impact while safeguarding security of supply.

Against this backdrop, rail works are due to begin next week on the Luxembourg–Wasserbillig–Trier line, making the route temporarily unavailable. As this line provides access to the port of Mertert, a key hub for fuel transit, its closure will place additional pressure on other modes of transport, which are already affected by disruptions to inland waterway transport.

Low water levels on the Rhine and Moselle due to the drought are currently reducing the capacity for transporting fuel by inland waterways, requiring operators to adjust their logistics in order to maintain supplies to petrol stations. In addition, barge deliveries to the Liège region, a strategically important area for many Luxembourg fuel importers, may have been delayed since Monday following the partial closure of the Albert Canal to facilitate firefighting operations in the High Fens.

Against this challenging backdrop, the Ministry of the Economy continues to monitor developments closely and encourages greater coordination between all stakeholders in the logistics chain to optimise supply flows.

The country's energy security remains assured, although delays or localised supply constraints cannot be entirely ruled out in these exceptional circumstances.

Press release by the Ministry of the Economy