Gasoline more expensive in Switzerland: Ticinese and cross-border commuters fill up in Italy
Italy has extended the excise tax cut until May 1, 2026, but gasoline prices have risen again in Switzerland.
Contesto
More expensive fuel in Switzerland: Ticino residents and cross-border workers fill up in Italy The energy crisis triggered by the conflict in Iran has caused fuel prices to rise in Switzerland. Italy has responded by extending the cut in excise duties until May 1, 2026, a measure that guarantees a net saving of 24.4 cents per liter for Italian motorists. However, fuel prices have risen again in Switzerland, and Ticino residents and cross-border workers are filling up in Italy. The Marchirolo petrol station, just a stone's throw from the Ponte Tresa border, confirms that many Swiss people come to refuel on this side of the border. "Every day we see dozens of cars with Swiss plates coming to fill up," says the petrol station attendant. "Our prices are much lower than those in Switzerland, so it's normal for people to come here to save money." Fuel prices in Switzerland have increased significantly in recent months. For example, in Lugano, a liter of unleaded petrol currently costs around 1.85 CHF, while in Italy, during the same period, the price has fallen to 1.55 EUR (around 1.67 CHF). This means that a Swiss motorist who fills up in Italy can save up to 18 CHF for a 50-liter tank. Cross-border Italian workers who commute to Switzerland are also filling up before crossing the border. "It's normal for me to fill up in Italy before going to work in Switzerland," says an Italian cross-border worker who commutes daily. "Prices are much lower and I can save a bit of money." For Ticino residents and cross-border workers who want to save on fuel, here's an operational checklist: - Check fuel prices in Switzerland and Italy before filling up - Fill up in Italy if prices are lower - Consider using a credit card or bank account in Italy to pay for fuel - Don't forget to che...
Dettagli operativi
The energy crisis has had a significant impact on fuel demand in Switzerland. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, fuel demand has increased by over 10% in recent months. This has led to a rise in fuel prices, which have surged by over 20% compared to previous levels. For example, the price of 95-octane gasoline has risen from 1.83 CHF per liter to 2.22 CHF per liter, while diesel has risen from 1.93 CHF per liter to 2.35 CHF per liter. According to the Federal Statistical Office, Switzerland is one of the regions most dependent on oil and gas imports, making it particularly vulnerable to market shocks. The Federal Statistical Office expects fuel prices to continue rising throughout 2026. This increase in fuel prices has a significant impact on Ticinese and frontier residents, who often travel to Italy to fill up. For instance, in Chiasso, a Ticinese border town, fuel prices are typically 10-15% lower than in Switzerland. Some concrete examples: 95-octane gasoline: 1.85 CHF per liter in Switzerland compared to 1.63 CHF per liter in Italy Diesel: 2.03 CHF per liter in Switzerland compared to 1.83 CHF per liter in Italy To take advantage of these savings, border residents can use an operational checklist: 1. Check fuel prices in Switzerland and Italy before filling up 2. Choose the most economical fuel stations in Italy 3. Use a price comparison app to find the best deals ⚠️ However, it is essential to note that Swiss law sets a maximum limit of 250 liters of fuel that can be imported by a private individual without paying taxes. Exceeding this limit triggers Swiss fuel taxes. Additionally, it is crucial to verify Italian and Swiss customs regulations before importing fuel. For example, Italian regulations allow private individuals to import up...
Punti chiave
More expensive petrol in Switzerland: Ticino residents and commuters fill up in Italy For Ticino residents and commuters who fill up in Italy, it's essential to note that petrol prices are significantly lower compared to Switzerland. For example, in Chiasso, the price of super unleaded petrol is around 1.83 CHF per liter, while in Como, Italy, it's around 1.45 EUR per liter, which is approximately 1.55 CHF per liter. Furthermore, Italy has extended the excise tax cut until May 1, 2026, which means Italian motorists can continue to save on petrol. The excise tax cut was introduced in June 2022 and provides a reduction of 30.5 cents per liter for petrol and 28.5 cents per liter for diesel. However, it's crucial to remember that petrol prices can vary depending on the region and market changes. Therefore, it's always important to check petrol prices before filling up. For example, in Lugano, the price of super unleaded petrol is around 1.89 CHF per liter, while in Bellinzona, it's around 1.85 CHF per liter. Additionally, it's essential to remember that petrol prices can impact the final fuel price. For instance, if you fill up with 50 liters of petrol in Como, the total cost would be around 77.50 EUR, which is approximately 85 CHF, while in Chiasso, it would be around 91.50 CHF. Here's an operational checklist for Ticino residents and commuters who want to fill up in Italy: - Verify petrol prices in Italy and Switzerland before filling up - Choose the most convenient service station - Consider the amount of petrol needed and the total cost - Check the validity of the excise tax cut in Italy > "The excise tax cut is an important measure to reduce the cost of petrol and help Italian motorists" - said the Italian Minister of Transport. ⚠️ Remember to always check petr...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why have gasoline prices risen in Switzerland?
- The energy crisis triggered by the conflict in Iran has pushed up fuel prices in Switzerland. Italy responded by extending the excise duty cut until 1 May 2026, a measure that guarantees a net saving of 24.4 cents per litre for Italian motorists. However, gasoline prices have risen again in Switzerland, and Ticino and border crossers are filling up in Italy.
- How can I save on gasoline?
- It is always important to check petrol prices before filling up. In addition, it is important to remember that gasoline prices can vary by region and market changes.
- Why can Italian motorists save on petrol?
- Italy has extended the excise duty cut until 1 May 2026, which means that Italian motorists can continue to save on petrol.