Lake Como: Tourist Coaches and Line Buses Under Pressure - Diesel Costs +40 Million Euros/Month (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The diesel crisis is hitting hard the public and tourist transportation around Lake Como, with additional costs of 40 million euros per month.

Contesto

TL;DR - Diesel costs rise 21%, adding 40M€/month for transport companies. - Public transport in Ticino and Lake Como faces sustainability risks. - Options include reducing services, raising prices, or seeking funding. - Authorities urged to support transport companies to maintain services. ## Key facts - Diesel cost increase: 21% increase since Middle East tensions began. - Monthly diesel cost: 40 million euros per month for the sector. - Yearly diesel cost: Almost 500 million euros yearly projection. - FNM diesel cost: 10 million euros per month in 2022, 25% of total costs. - Lake Como diesel cost: 5 million euros per month in 2022, 30% of total costs. - Ticino price increase: 10% price increase approved for 2023. - Deadline for tax reduction: May 1st for temporary reduction of taxes. - Gasoline cost increase: 40% increase in gasoline costs for Ticinese transportation businesses. Lake Como: Tourist Buses and Line Buses Under Pressure - Diesel +40 Million/Month To address the crisis of fuel costs, public transportation companies could consider the following options: Reduce the frequency of services offered to passengers Increase ticket prices Research new sources of funding Collaborate with other public transportation companies to reduce costs Comparing practical scenarios Reducing the frequency of services offered to passengers could have a negative impact on the quality of services provided and may lead to a decrease in passenger satisfaction. Similarly, increasing ticket prices could lead to a decrease in demand for services offered. Alternatively, public transportation companies could try to reduce fuel costs by researching new sources of funding or collaborating with other public transportation companies. These options may be more effective in the...

Dettagli operativi

Lake Como: Tourist Buses and Line Buses Under Pressure - Diesel +40 Million/Month The share of diesel fuel in the companies' operating costs represents around 20%, immediately after personnel. The 21% increase in diesel fuel prices since the Middle East tensions began has led to a burden of 40 million euros per month for the sector, with a yearly projection of almost 500 million euros. This scenario puts the public and tourist transportation companies in grave difficulty, as they already struggle to compete with low prices from competitors and maintain efficient services, especially in peripheral or tourist areas like those around Lake Como. ### Comparison with the Canton Ticino In Sicily, for example, the increase in diesel fuel costs has led to a 15% increase in costs for urban lines, while in Tuscany, there has been a 12% increase. In the Canton Ticino, where public transportation is already expensive due to mountainous geography, a 21% increase could lead to a 18-20% increase in costs, putting the sustainability of less frequent but crucial routes for the community at risk. In 2022, the Canton Ticino State Council approved the public transportation law, which provides for a 10% price increase in 2023. However, the increase in diesel fuel costs could exceed this increase, putting the service's sustainability at risk. Concrete Examples The public transportation company "FNM" operates in the Canton Ticino and offers bus and train services for the cities of Lugano and Bellinzona. According to 2022 data, the company spent around 10 million euros per month on diesel fuel, which represents 25% of total costs. With a 21% increase, the diesel fuel cost could increase by around 2.1 million euros per month, putting the service's sustainability at risk. The tourist trans...

Punti chiave

What to Do and Deadlines for Transportation and Tourism Businesses in Lake Como Transportation businesses and tourists using these services should be aware of possible price variations of tickets or reduction of services. This article provides information and advice to cope with the current situation. - By May 1st: Deadline for temporary reduction of taxes, which however does not directly benefit transportation businesses using commercial gasoline. According to ANAV estimates, Ticinese transportation businesses may be affected by a 40% increase in gasoline costs, equivalent to approximately 40 million Swiss francs per month. - Contact Associations: For businesses, contact ANAV, ASSTRA or AGENS for updates on government appeals and possible support. For example, ANAV has launched an appeal to ask for support to transportation businesses affected by the energy crisis. - Use of Calculation Tools: Our website offers a calculator for transportation expenses to help businesses optimize costs during this critical period. ### FAQ Q: How can the increase in costs be compensated? A: Businesses may explore options for optimizing routes, negotiating with suppliers, or exploring specific government support once available. Q: Does the Canton of Ticino foresee specific interventions? A: At present, no specific interventions have been announced for Ticino, but local companies may benefit from any Italian measures if operating in a border area. ### Concrete Examples For example, a transportation company based in Lugano using a bus to perform a daily route between Lugano and Milan may be affected by a 20% increase in gasoline costs. To compensate for this increase, the company may consider: Optimizing the route to reduce gasoline consumption Negotiating with the supplier to o...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How is Lake Como acting due to the increase in oil prices?","a":"Lake Como is particularly exposed to the increase in oil prices, which also affects routes crossing the border with the Canton Ticino. Companies operating on these routes are already facing sustained costs, with an increase in oil costs by more than 30% compared to the same period of the previous year."},{"q":"What is the impact of increasing oil on cross-border routes between Italy and Switzerland, such as Chiasso-Como?","a":"The increase of 21% of oil prices has hit hard cross-border routes such as Chiasso-Como, with an increase in oil costs greater than 30% for operational enterprises on these lines, threatening their economic sustainability."},{"q":"What alternatives to diesel are bus companies operating between Italy and Switzerland evaluating?","a":"Bus companies operating between Italy and Switzerland are considering switching to compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric. In 2025, 12% of the cross-border fleet was already electric, with an average saving of €0.15 per km compared to diesel. CNG reduces fuel costs by 20% but requires investments of €300,000-500,000 per vehicle."},{"q":"How does the increase in the price of diesel affect the cost of commuter tickets between Como and Chiasso?","a":"The 21% increase in diesel has prompted companies to revise commuter fares. From the first quarter of 2026, tickets for the Como-Chiasso section have been increased by an average of 6%, from 4.20 to 4.45 euros. The adjustment varies between 5% and 8% depending on the time and type of service."},{"q":"What financial support measures are available for public transport companies affected by the increase in diesel?","a":"In 2026, the Canton of Ticino has allocated 12 million francs for an emergency fund fo...

Frequently Asked Questions
How is Lake Como acting due to the increase in oil prices?
Lake Como is particularly exposed to the increase in oil prices, which also affects routes crossing the border with the Canton Ticino. Companies operating on these routes are already facing sustained costs, with an increase in oil costs by more than 30% compared to the same period of the previous year.
What is the impact of increasing oil on cross-border routes between Italy and Switzerland, such as Chiasso-Como?
The increase of 21% of oil prices has hit hard cross-border routes such as Chiasso-Como, with an increase in oil costs greater than 30% for operational enterprises on these lines, threatening their economic sustainability.
What alternatives to diesel are bus companies operating between Italy and Switzerland evaluating?
Bus companies operating between Italy and Switzerland are considering switching to compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric. In 2025, 12% of the cross-border fleet was already electric, with an average saving of €0.15 per km compared to diesel. CNG reduces fuel costs by 20% but requires investments of €300,000-500,000 per vehicle.
How does the increase in the price of diesel affect the cost of commuter tickets between Como and Chiasso?
The 21% increase in diesel has prompted companies to revise commuter fares. From the first quarter of 2026, tickets for the Como-Chiasso section have been increased by an average of 6%, from 4.20 to 4.45 euros. The adjustment varies between 5% and 8% depending on the time and type of service.
What financial support measures are available for public transport companies affected by the increase in diesel?
In 2026, the Canton of Ticino has allocated 12 million francs for an emergency fund for transport companies affected by the increase in diesel. In addition, the Lombardy Region offers non-repayable grants equal to 30% of the conversion costs to low-emission vehicles, with a maximum ceiling of 250,000 euros per company.

Related articles