What specific river level at Kaub set a new record on 5 August, and how does it compare to historical averages and previous lows?

On 5 August, water levels at Kaub on the Rhine fell to a record low of 19 centimetres (cm), forecast to drop further to 18 cm by 9 August; this is drastically below the long-term average depth of around 200 cm at that location, and also lower than the previous millennium low of 25.28 cm recorded on 22 October 2018.

Which chemical companies declared force majeure in late July due to Rhine logistics disruptions, and what products or feedstocks were affected?

BASF declared force majeure on several surfactants (29 July), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and dipropyl heptyl phthalate (DPHP) (16 July), citing extreme heat, drought, and Rhine logistics constraints; Lanxess reportedly declared force majeure on phthalic anhydride (PA) at Uerdingen due to disrupted orthoxylene (OX) barge deliveries; LyondellBasell’s Wesseling site faced butadiene (BD) supply disruption linked to Rhine low-water logistics, with allocations expected from August.

Record Low Rhine, Danube Plus Extreme Heat Cause Force Majeure and Nuclear Shutdowns

Aug 5, 2026

Extreme heat and record low river levels in Europe have disrupted chemical logistics, forcing firms like BASF and Lanxess to declare force majeure on products. Nuclear power facilities across the EU have shut down due to insufficient cooling water.

icis

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