What is the economic impact of the reduction of excise duties on petrol in Italy for Swiss petrol station attendants?

The reduction of excise duties on petrol in Italy could lead to distorted competition for Swiss petrol station operators, with the possibility of loss of customers and reduced revenue.

What is the impact of the reduction in excise duties on petrol in Italy on Swiss state revenues?

The reduction in excise duties in Italy could reduce Swiss state revenues, as cross-border commuters could buy petrol in Italy at lower prices, causing a decrease in sales in Switzerland and thus a reduction in excise duties paid to the Swiss state.

How can I save on the price of petrol by refuelling in Italy as a cross-border commuter?

For a cross-border commuter who lives in Italy and works in Switzerland, filling up in Italy is more convenient. With the new price of €1.27 per litre (≈1.37 CHF) and the Swiss price of 1.85 CHF, the difference is 0.48 CHF per litre. On a consumption of 10 l/100 km, a journey of 200 km generates a saving of around CHF 9.6 (€≈9). It is advisable to stock up before crossing the border and use payment cards with favorable exchange rates.

What is the expected increase in vehicular traffic to Lombardy after the cut in excise duties?

According to estimates by the Federal Statistical Office, the cut in excise duties is expected to increase cross-border traffic by 10 to 12 percent within three months. With an average of 8,000 vehicles per day on the Chiasso pass, this would mean about 800-960 more vehicles per day, equivalent to 80-115 tons more gasoline consumed in Italy. The increase can aggravate congestion and waiting times at the crossing.

Fuel discount: Italy extends the discount (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 4 April 2026

The Meloni government extends the cut in excise duties until May 1st

Context

TL;DR

Italy extends fuel tax cut until May 1, 2026.
Swiss fuel retailers fear unfair competition.
Price difference per liter could increase to 0.48 CHF.

Key facts

Decision Date: April 4, 2026
Tax Cut Extension: Until May 1, 2026
Tax Reduction: 24.4 cents per liter in Italy
Price Difference: 0.32 CHF per liter currently, could increase to 0.48 CHF
Current Price Chiasso: 1.85 CHF per liter
Current Price Como: 1.42 EUR per liter (approx. 1.53 CHF)
Impact Concerns: Decrease in sales, job losses, revenue reduction for Swiss state
Initial Tax Cut: March 22, 2023, 0.15 EUR per liter until December 31, 2023

…

Operational details

Economic Impact

The government Meloni's decision could have a significant impact on the Ticino economy. Swiss gas stations may lose customers due to distorted competition. For example, if we consider the current prices of gasoline in Italy and Switzerland, with a liter of gasoline costing around 1.6 CHF in Switzerland and 1.4 EUR (approximately 1.5 CHF) in Italy, the price difference could increase if Italy maintains the excise duty cut. This could lead to a loss of revenue for Ticino gas stations, particularly in border areas such as Chiasso, Mendrisio, and Lugano.

Price Comparison

A comparison of gasoline prices in Italy and Switzerland shows that Italian prices are already lower. The price difference could increase if Italy maintains the excise duty cut, which was introduced on March 22, 2023, and provides for a reduction of 0.15 EUR per liter in excise duty on gasoline and diesel until December 31, 2023. For example, if a car consumes 10 liters of gasoline per 100 km, the fuel cost for a trip from Lugano to Milan would be around 16 CHF in Switzerland and 14 EUR (approximately 15 CHF) in Italy.

Impact on Border Residents

Border residents who work in Switzerland and live in Italy may be interested in buying gasoline in Italy due to the lower prices. This could have a negative impact on the Ticino economy, particularly in border municipalities. For example, in Chiasso, where there are several service stations, the loss of customers could lead to a reduction in revenue for local gas stations.

Check gasoline prices in Italy and Switzerland
Calculate the price difference for a specific trip
Consider the impact of distorted competition on Ticino gas stations
Evaluate options for border residents who work in Switzerland and live in Italy.

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Key points

What to do

The Ticino gas station owners must be prepared to face the distorted competition coming from Italy, where the discount on gasoline has recently been extended. This could have a significant impact on their business, especially in border areas such as Chiasso and Mendrisio.

Marketing strategies

They could implement targeted marketing strategies to attract customers, for example by offering additional services such as car washing or the possibility of refueling 24 hours a day. Additionally, they could use social media to promote their offers and interact with customers. For example, a fuel distributor in Lugano could offer a 5% discount on refills over 50 liters.

Investments

They could invest in technologies to reduce costs and increase efficiency, such as the installation of automatic sales management systems or the implementation of customer loyalty programs. According to the Swiss regulations of January 1, 2022, fuel distributors must ensure a reduction of CO2 emissions by 10% by 2025. Investing in more efficient technologies could help achieve this goal.

To calculate the impact of distorted competition on your business, visit our salary calculator. Additionally, here is an operational checklist to help Ticino gas station owners face the competition:

Check the prices of Italian competitors
Analyze production and sales costs
Identify areas for improvement
Implement targeted marketing strategies
Invest in more efficient technologies

For example, if a fuel distributor in Locarno has a production cost of 1.20 CHF per liter and a selling price of 1.50 CHF per liter, it may need to reduce the selling price to 1.40 CHF per liter to remain competitive with Italian prices.

ARTICLE TITLE: Gasoline discount: Italy extends the discount

Source: laregione.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the economic impact of the reduction of excise duties on petrol in Italy for Swiss petrol station attendants?: The reduction of excise duties on petrol in Italy could lead to distorted competition for Swiss petrol station operators, with the possibility of loss of customers and reduced revenue.
What is the impact of the reduction in excise duties on petrol in Italy on Swiss state revenues?: The reduction in excise duties in Italy could reduce Swiss state revenues, as cross-border commuters could buy petrol in Italy at lower prices, causing a decrease in sales in Switzerland and thus a reduction in excise duties paid to the Swiss state.
How can I save on the price of petrol by refuelling in Italy as a cross-border commuter?: For a cross-border commuter who lives in Italy and works in Switzerland, filling up in Italy is more convenient. With the new price of €1.27 per litre (≈1.37 CHF) and the Swiss price of 1.85 CHF, the difference is 0.48 CHF per litre. On a consumption of 10 l/100 km, a journey of 200 km generates a saving of around CHF 9.6 (€≈9). It is advisable to stock up before crossing the border and use payment cards with favorable exchange rates.
What is the expected increase in vehicular traffic to Lombardy after the cut in excise duties?: According to estimates by the Federal Statistical Office, the cut in excise duties is expected to increase cross-border traffic by 10 to 12 percent within three months. With an average of 8,000 vehicles per day on the Chiasso pass, this would mean about 800-960 more vehicles per day, equivalent to 80-115 tons more gasoline consumed in Italy. The increase can aggravate congestion and waiting times at the crossing.