Swiss fuel reserves secured until May 2026

Context

In brief

• Swiss fuel reserves guaranteed until May 2026
• Reserves exclusively for national needs
• Energy solidarity agreement for gas with Italy and Germany

Key facts

• What: Mandatory fuel reserves
• When: Guaranteed until the end of May 2026
• Where: Swiss depots, such as Mellingen (Aargau)
• Who: Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES)
• Amount: Autonomy of approximately 72 days for jet fuel

Despite the war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, diesel and gasoline continue to flow to service stations in Switzerland and planes continue to take off. However, the situation is tense regarding jet fuel. The supply of Swiss airports is guaranteed until the end of May 2026, according to the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES).

In case of shortages, the Confederation can authorize the withdrawal from mandatory reserves. This applies to all fuels and fuels. Unlike the countries of the European Union (EU), Swiss reserves are exclusively for national needs. If jet fuel were to become scarce in an EU state, the other member countries would have to apply the so-called principle of energy solidarity. Germany, for example, would be obliged to assist another Union country by providing its own fuel.

Energy solidarity and international agreements

Swiss reserves, on the other hand, are exclusively for Switzerland, says Nicole Mathys, Head of Energy at FONES. 'Switzerland is not a member of the EU and is therefore not bound by the principle of energy solidarity,' she emphasizes. However, there is an exception. Regarding gas supply, there is an agreement between Switzerland, Italy and Germany, Mathys specifies. If gas were to become scarce in one of these countries, it would be possible to request reciprocal solidarity measures. 'In this case, the focus is on the supply of gas to protected customers, such as households, hospitals or emergency services,' she explains. These customers would therefore have priority for supplies.

Priorities and open market

Unlike gas, there is no form of priority for fuels. The fact that Switzerland does not provide for an energy solidarity mechanism does not mean that it could not be affected by a possible fuel shortage. Given that in case of shortages, fuels such as jet fuel, but also diesel or gasoline, would be put on the market from the Swiss mandatory reserves through traditional channels, it is possible that foreign traders buy fuel, explains Mathys: 'Theoretically, someone can buy it and resell it on the other side of the border.' The market, therefore, would remain open.

Exceptions and priorities

The Federal Council can also decide on exceptions. 'If, for example, jet fuel were to become extremely scarce, the Federal Council could order that, for example, rescue, firefighting and search flights receive the jet fuel supplies they need,' explains Mathys. At the moment, however, a similar eventuality still seems far off. All these rules, however, do not concern the army. According to FONES, the armed forces have their own jet fuel reserves. Their fuel is therefore not stored with the mandatory reserves that the Confederation manages in collaboration with the Swiss petroleum industry.

Reserves lower than expected

Mandatory reserves are intended to cope with situations such as the current one, but the jet fuel reserves are lower than expected according to the ordinance in force, which for aviation fuel establishes a coverage of three months. Currently, according to FONES, the autonomy is approximately 72 days. The discrepancy is explained by the method of calculating the reserves: the current value of the quantity to be stored is based on the average fuel consumption from 2022 to 2024. From the end of 2024 to the outbreak of the war in Iran, however, consumption has increased significantly, and it is therefore necessary to increase the reserves, in addition to guaranteeing the normal supply of fuel.

Operational details

• ### Implications for cross-border workers

The Swiss fuel reserves, intended exclusively for national needs, could have a significant impact on cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. In case of shortages, fuels such as kerosene, diesel, and gasoline would be released onto the market from the Swiss mandatory reserves through traditional channels. This could lead to an increase in prices or greater difficulty in obtaining fuel, especially in the event of an international crisis.

Crisis scenarios

If the situation were to worsen, the Federal Council could decide to impose restrictions on fuel use. For example, rescue, firefighting, and search flights could have priority for kerosene supplies. This could affect air travel and freight transport, with possible repercussions on the work of cross-border workers who depend on these services.

Open market and foreign traders

The Swiss fuel market remains open, meaning that foreign traders could buy Swiss fuel and resell it in other countries. This could lead to an increase in prices in Switzerland, but also to a greater availability of fuel in Italy, indirectly benefiting cross-border workers.

Energy solidarity agreements

The energy solidarity agreement between Switzerland, Italy, and Germany for gas represents an example of international collaboration. In case of gas shortages, the three countries can request reciprocal solidarity measures, with priority for protected customers such as households, hospitals, and emergency services. This agreement could be a model for future collaborations in the field of energy supply.

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Key points

What to do in case of fuel shortages

In case of fuel shortages, it's important to be prepared and informed. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Monitor the news: Stay updated on the latest news regarding fuel supply in Switzerland and Italy. 2. Plan your trips: In case of restrictions, plan your trips in advance and consider alternatives like public transport or carpooling. 3. Reduce consumption: Adopt measures to reduce fuel consumption, such as driving more efficiently or using electric vehicles. 4. Use the fuel cost calculator: To compare fuel prices in Switzerland and Italy, use the fuel cost calculator. 5. Consult practical guides: For more information on how to manage fuel shortages, consult the practical guides available on the Frontaliere Ticino website.

Conclusions

Swiss fuel reserves guarantee supply until the end of May 2026. However, it's important to be prepared and informed in case of a crisis. Cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy should monitor the situation and adopt measures to reduce fuel consumption. Using tools like the fuel cost calculator and consulting practical guides can help better manage any fuel shortages.

Source: rsi.ch