Due to dramatically low water levels on the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe, the federal government temporarily lifts the Sunday truck driving ban and redirects transport to rail to save supply chains.
The German government announced on Friday, August 7, 2026, a series of emergency measures to mitigate increasingly severe disruptions in supply chains caused by extremely low water levels on key river waterways. The measures signal an urgent shift of cargo from rivers to roads and rail, while also planning long-term adjustments to transport infrastructure.
Following a series of heatwaves, water levels on vital routes such as the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe have dropped significantly, severely jeopardizing river transport. Federal Transport Minister Bilger stated after a crisis meeting that the government cannot influence the weather, but it can act to protect the economy.
"We cannot influence the weather, but we can take measures to help our economy weather these difficult weeks as best as possible," said Minister Bilger.
German chemical companies had already warned earlier that they might be forced to cut production due to low water levels. The reduced cargo capacity of ships directly increases transport costs and strains supply chains, warned Wolfgang Grosse Entrup, head of the chemical industry association VCI.
Estimates from experts at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy reveal the scale of potential damage. According to their calculations, low river levels could cost the German economy between one and two billion euros in lost activity in the third quarter. This would also impact the gross domestic product, which could see a decline of 0.1 to 0.2 percent.
As a key short-term measure, Minister Bilger announced the possibility of temporarily lifting the ban on truck driving on Sundays and public holidays. This suspension would apply to certain types of goods particularly affected by the disruption in river traffic.
The minister has already initiated talks with counterparts in the federal states to reach an agreement as quickly as possible. "I have already spoken with some transport ministers of the federal states, and all have expressed a high level of readiness to suspend the Sunday and holiday driving ban," said Bilger, adding that the measure should remain in effect "as long as the situation requires."
At the same time, the German highway management company has been instructed to take all measures to avoid unnecessary traffic slowdowns due to roadworks. On one major canal, the planned renovation of a lock has even been postponed to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The railway will also play a more significant role in the new transport plan. Freight carrier DB Cargo will assist industry and take over part of the cargo previously transported by rivers. According to Minister Bilger, DB Cargo, together with other carriers, will organize additional transport routes across Europe and coordinate with energy companies on contingency plans for further supply disruptions.
The announced "emergency measures package" was welcomed by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), which stated it would alleviate immediate consequences for the economy. However, Dirk Binding from DIHK warns that a long-term solution is also needed. "Greater road and rail transport capacities can provide companies with short-term relief, but we must ensure that our waterways are resilient to low water levels and other extreme weather conditions," said Binding.
On the other hand, the Federal Association of Road Transport and Logistics (BGL) expressed skepticism. They warned that regulations on working hours and mandatory rest periods for drivers must still be strictly observed, emphasizing that lifting the driving ban alone will not increase available driving time.
The meeting also discussed long-term solutions, such as expanding waterways and adapting ships for navigation in low-water conditions. Minister Bilger announced that such coordination meetings would be held regularly in the future.
