Border workers overwhelmed: Lombardy gas stations run dry, what changes for those working in Ticino
From Como to Varese, gas stations are out of fuel for Ticino border workers. Prices in Switzerland will drop slowly, while the fuel shortage strike in Lombardy forces long waits. Updated figures as of April 8, 2026.
Contesto
On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, an endless line of cars forced the authorities in Como to temporarily close access to three major fuel stations along State Road 342, just a few kilometers from the Swiss border. The reason? Gasoline and diesel supplies have been exhausted for days, particularly at service stations near Chiasso, Mendrisio, and Stabio. The cause is not a global supply issue, but rather a combination of local factors: increased consumption following the truce in the Middle East and the cautious strategy adopted by Lombardy operators, who prefer to avoid holding large inventories in an unstable market. The situation is confirmed by Daniela Maroni, national vice-president of Figisc Confcommercio and a resident of Como: «The stations with the lowest prices have run out of fuel in recent days. The fine weather has boosted the desire to travel, and sales have exceeded expectations. Moreover, given the uncertainty and sky-high prices, operators are stocking less to avoid facing unsustainable bills.» ## 📊 The price gap at the border: how much you really save Up to Friday, April 4, 2026, the average price of gasoline in the province of Como ranged between €1.69 per liter (cheapest at Bregnano) and €1.84 per liter (most expensive at Lambrugo). For diesel, the price range was between €1.98 and €2.33 per liter. In Ticino, however, prices have remained stable but higher compared to the pre-conflict period: according to the Swiss Touring Club (TCS) monitoring, gasoline exceeds CHF 1.80 per liter and diesel CHF 2.00 per liter. Although the price gap is narrowing, it is still not enough to convince cross-border commuters to change their habits. This phenomenon has led many Ticinesi to drive extra kilometers to refuel in Lombardy, where prices are on average 15–20% lower....
Dettagli operativi
For cross-border workers from Ticino who commute daily across the border for work, the current situation presents a double disadvantage: on one hand, fuel prices per litre in Ticino remain high and are only slowly decreasing; on the other, the long queues at Lombardy’s petrol stations make refuelling a real challenge. These queues, often lasting over an hour, form as early as dawn at the most convenient petrol stations, such as those in Bregnano or Brenna, where prices are 0.10-0.15 euros lower than at Swiss stations. ### Before vs after: how fuel costs have changed Before the conflict in the Middle East (February 2026), a cross-border worker commuting from the province of Como to Ticino spent around €120-140 per month on fuel, based on an average daily round trip of 50 km (100 km total). With current prices, monthly spending has risen to €160-180, with peaks of €200 on days with the highest traffic at petrol stations. The difference becomes even more pronounced when comparing self-service prices: in Lombardy, petrol costs €1.69-1.78 per litre, while in Ticino it starts at CHF 1.80 (approximately €1.85). For diesel, the gap is even wider: €1.98 in Lombardy compared to CHF 2.05-2.10 in Ticino. ### Possible scenarios for the coming months Experts from the TCS and Volenergy agree on one point only: prices will not return to pre-war levels for at least 6-12 months. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will allow a partial reduction in raw material costs, but other factors (taxes, logistics, competition) will continue to influence consumer prices. Two possible scenarios for cross-border workers: - Optimistic: In the next 3-4 months, Lombard petrol stations manage to restock and prices drop below €1.60 per litre for petrol. Queues will shorten, but will not disappear...
Punti chiave
The current situation requires Ticino cross-border workers to adapt their refueling habits to avoid surprises. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize yourself best over the coming months. ### Step 1: Plan refueling based on prices Not all Lombardy gas stations charge the same prices. To find the most convenient point of sale, consult the Italian Ministry of Enterprises website or download the Fuel Prices app, which updates official price lists in real time. The most affordable gas stations near the Ticino border are: - Bregnano (petrol €1.69, diesel €1.99) - Brenna (petrol €1.72, diesel €1.98) - Olgiate Comasco (petrol €1.73, diesel €2.05) ### Step 2: Check availability before leaving Not all gas stations currently have fuel available. Before setting off, verify: - Institutional websites: The Ministry publishes an updated map of stations with available fuel. - Mobility apps: Services like Google Maps or Waze provide real-time alerts for shortages or queues. - Social media: Facebook groups such as “Frontalieri Ticino – Lombardia” share live updates from users. If the chosen gas station has run out of stock, change your route. For example, for those living near Varese, stations in Busto Arsizio or Gallarate may be alternatives, though they often involve longer queues. ### Step 3: Optimize your routes If you work in Lugano or Bellinzona, the closest gas stations to the border are: - Como Nord (Montano Lucino): Petrol €1.75, diesel €2.00 - Lurate Caccivio (Varese): Petrol €1.76, diesel €2.05 - Fino Mornasco (Como): Petrol €1.73, diesel €2.02 For those living in Mendrisio or Stabio, Bregnano is the best option, just 15 minutes away. However, queues can exceed an hour on weekdays. ### Step 4: Consider refueling in Ticino if savings don’t justify the wait...
Punti chiave
{"q":"How long will the queues at Lombardy petrol stations last?","a":"At this time, it is not possible to determine the duration with precision. It will depend on the ability of operators to restock and on consumer demand. According to the TCS, prices may start to drop only after the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, expected in the coming months."},{"q":"Can I deduct fuel costs from my tax return as a cross-border worker?","a":"Yes, but only if the route is necessary to reach your workplace in Ticino and falls within the limits set by Swiss regulations. The deduction is possible only for the actual kilometres driven and properly documented. Consult the guide [here for details."},{"q":"Will Ticino’s 2026 rebates cover the increase in fuel prices?","a":"Rebates are calculated based on taxable income and do not specifically include fuel cost increases. However, the Ticino Department of Finance is evaluating whether to expand the income brackets for rebates to mitigate the effects of inflation."},{"q":"What should I do if a Lombardy petrol station sells fuel at a price higher than the official rate?","a":"This is illegal. Maximum prices are set by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and must be displayed at the entrance of the station. If you encounter a higher price, report the irregularity via the Fuel Prices app or contact the Guardia di Finanza."},{"q":"Can I use my Swiss credit card to pay in Italy without fees?","a":"It depends on your bank. Some Swiss cards charge high fees for payments in euros abroad. Check with your bank or use a fee-free card like Revolut, N26 or Wise to optimise costs."},{"q":"Will fuel prices in Ticino drop before they do in Lombardy?","a":"Not necessarily. In Switzerland, prices depend on variables such as taxes, exch...
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will the queues at Lombardy petrol stations last?
- At this time, it is not possible to determine the duration with precision. It will depend on the ability of operators to restock and on consumer demand. According to the TCS, prices may start to drop only after the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, expected in the coming months.
- Can I deduct fuel costs from my tax return as a cross-border worker?
- Yes, but only if the route is necessary to reach your workplace in Ticino and falls within the limits set by Swiss regulations. The deduction is possible only for the actual kilometres driven and properly documented. Consult the guide [here](nav:tax-return) for details.
- Will Ticino’s 2026 rebates cover the increase in fuel prices?
- Rebates are calculated based on taxable income and do not specifically include fuel cost increases. However, the Ticino Department of Finance is evaluating whether to expand the income brackets for rebates to mitigate the effects of inflation.
- What should I do if a Lombardy petrol station sells fuel at a price higher than the official rate?
- This is illegal. Maximum prices are set by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and must be displayed at the entrance of the station. If you encounter a higher price, report the irregularity via the **Fuel Prices** app or contact the Guardia di Finanza.
- Can I use my Swiss credit card to pay in Italy without fees?
- It depends on your bank. Some Swiss cards charge high fees for payments in euros abroad. Check with your bank or use a fee-free card like Revolut, N26 or Wise to optimise costs.
- Will fuel prices in Ticino drop before they do in Lombardy?
- Not necessarily. In Switzerland, prices depend on variables such as taxes, exchange rates and logistics. According to the TCS, the decline will be gradual and not uniform between the two countries. However, cross-border workers may find it advantageous to refuel in Ticino if the price difference exceeds €0.20 per litre.