How high is the price of gasoline in Switzerland compared to those in Italy?

According to data from the Federal Office of Energy, the average price of gasoline in Switzerland is about CHF 1.80 per litre, while in Italy it is about EUR 1.50 per litre, or about CHF 1.65 per litre.

How many litres of petrol can I import into Switzerland without incurring penalties?

Swiss legislation does not specify a quantitative limit for occasional refuelling abroad, but from 1 January 2022, a limit of 200 litres per person for the import of petrol has been introduced.

What are the travel costs for petrol in Como da Chiasso?

The cost of travel for petrol in Como da Chiasso is relatively low. The distance is about 15 km and the travel time is minimal. You have to consider the cost of fuel for the round trip, but the savings on the price of gasoline (up to 0.15 CHF/litre) often largely covers this expense, making the operation convenient.

Can I use my Swiss credit card to pay for gas in Como?

Generally yes, many petrol stations in Como accept international credit cards and ATMs, including Swiss ones. However, it is always advisable to check in advance if the chosen station accepts payments with Swiss cards to avoid inconveniences when refuelling.

Are there any additional taxes to be paid if I bring gasoline from Italy to Switzerland?

Swiss law provides for a limit on the import of petrol per person. As of 1 January 2022, this limit is set at 200 litres. Exceeding this amount could result in the payment of customs duties and VAT, so it is essential to comply with this limit to avoid penalties.

Convenient Gasoline in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 27 March 2026

Ticinese motorists are looking for the most convenient gasoline in Como

Context

TL;DR

Ticino motorists save up to CHF 0.15 per litre in Italy
Swiss petrol prices average CHF 1.80, Italy EUR 1.50
Border towns like Chiasso and Mendrisio most affected
Swiss law allows occasional fuel purchases abroad

Key facts

Price in Switzerland: CHF 1.80 per litre
Price in Italy: EUR 1.50 per litre (CHF 1.65)
Savings per litre: Up to CHF 0.15
Border municipalities: Chiasso, Mendrisio, Lugano
Price in Como: EUR 1.45 per litre (CHF 1.60)
Fuel limit: 200 litres per person since January 1, 2022
Price increase: CHF 0.20 per litre in Switzerland over six months
Travel cost example: 10 CHF fuel + 5 CHF toll for 50 km trip

The recent cut in excise duties to curb price hikes caused by the war in the Middle East is boosting fuel sales, including to Ticino residents. As Marco Marelli reports on laRegione.ch, Ticino motorists are hunting for the cheapest petrol in Como. The phenomenon stems from Swiss pump prices being higher than those in Italy. According to the source, 'the recent cut in excise duties to curb price hikes caused by the war in the Middle East is boosting fuel sales, including to Ticino residents'.

To grasp the trend, compare pump prices in Switzerland and Italy. Federal Office of Energy data show Swiss petrol averaging about CHF 1.80 per litre, whereas in Italy it is about EUR 1.50, roughly CHF 1.65. Ticino drivers can therefore save up to CHF 0.15 per litre by filling up in Italy.

Swiss border municipalities such as Chiasso, Mendrisio and Lugano are most affected. Motorists there can easily pop across to Italy for cheaper fuel. In Como, only 15 km from Chiasso, petrol costs about EUR 1.45 per litre, roughly CHF 1.60.

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Operational details

The reasons behind this behavior are multiple. Firstly, the prices of gasoline in Switzerland are higher compared to those in Italy. For instance, according to data from the Federal Office of Energy, the average price of gasoline in Switzerland has increased by approximately 0.20 Swiss francs per liter over the past six months, reaching an average price of 1.80 Swiss francs per liter. On the other hand, in Italy, the average price of gasoline is around 1.50 euros per liter, which is equivalent to 1.65 Swiss francs per liter, considering an exchange rate of 1 euro = 1.10 Swiss francs.

In addition, the proximity of the Italian-Swiss border makes it easy for Ticinese motorists to travel to Como to refuel. This phenomenon is not new, but has been exacerbated by the recent increase in gasoline prices. For example, residents of Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Campione d'Italia can easily reach the gas stations in Como, where they can save up to 0.15 Swiss francs per liter.

According to unspecified data, the price of gasoline in Switzerland has increased significantly over the past few months, making it more convenient for Ticinese motorists to refuel in Como. Specifically, the price of gasoline in Como was 1.42 euros per liter in January, while the average price in Lugano was 1.82 Swiss francs per liter.

For Ticinese motorists, it is essential to consider the following points before traveling to Como to refuel:

Check the prices of gasoline in Como and Switzerland before departing
Calculate the costs of travel and the time required to reach the gas stations in Como
Verify if the gas stations in Como accept Swiss credit cards
Check if there are any import restrictions on gasoline in Switzerland

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Key points

Affordable petrol in Ticino

For Ticinese motorists looking to save on petrol, it is important to factor in travel costs and queuing time at service stations. It is also essential to check fuel prices before setting off for Como. This can be done with online tools or dedicated apps. For example, residents of Lugano can look up prices in Chiasso or Mendrisio, which are often lower than city-station rates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How high is the price of gasoline in Switzerland compared to those in Italy?: According to data from the Federal Office of Energy, the average price of gasoline in Switzerland is about CHF 1.80 per litre, while in Italy it is about EUR 1.50 per litre, or about CHF 1.65 per litre.
How many litres of petrol can I import into Switzerland without incurring penalties?: Swiss legislation does not specify a quantitative limit for occasional refuelling abroad, but from 1 January 2022, a limit of 200 litres per person for the import of petrol has been introduced.
What are the travel costs for petrol in Como da Chiasso?: The cost of travel for petrol in Como da Chiasso is relatively low. The distance is about 15 km and the travel time is minimal. You have to consider the cost of fuel for the round trip, but the savings on the price of gasoline (up to 0.15 CHF/litre) often largely covers this expense, making the operation convenient.
Can I use my Swiss credit card to pay for gas in Como?: Generally yes, many petrol stations in Como accept international credit cards and ATMs, including Swiss ones. However, it is always advisable to check in advance if the chosen station accepts payments with Swiss cards to avoid inconveniences when refuelling.
Are there any additional taxes to be paid if I bring gasoline from Italy to Switzerland?: Swiss law provides for a limit on the import of petrol per person. As of 1 January 2022, this limit is set at 200 litres. Exceeding this amount could result in the payment of customs duties and VAT, so it is essential to comply with this limit to avoid penalties.