Low Rhine levels weigh on ethanol prices but sees biodiesel soar

In Germany, record low levels on the Rhine river are impeding biodiesel and ethanol production and trade, among challenges for a host of other energy and agri commodities. Without ethanol able to move, stocks are building and pushing prices to five-month lows in the ARA region. Movement of rapeseed to biodiesel producers has drawn to a halt, pushing up biodiesel prices and their associated margins but there are few who can take advantage due to the lack of feedstock supply. Biodiesel prices are hovering around five-year highs.