Swiss fuel reserves secured until May 2026

Swiss fuel stocks are exclusively for national needs. We explore the current situation and implications for cross-border workers.

Contesto

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...

Dettagli operativi

• ### 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. ## Useful tools to protect your net income To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Punti chiave

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

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation regarding fuel stocks in Switzerland?
Fuel stocks in Switzerland are guaranteed until the end of May 2026. However, the reserves of kerosene are lower than required by the current ordinance, with an autonomy of approximately 72 days.
What happens in case of fuel shortages?
In case of shortages, the Confederation can authorize the withdrawal from the mandatory stocks. The Federal Council can also decide to impose restrictions on fuel use, prioritizing rescue, firefighting, and search flights.
What are the implications for cross-border workers?
Cross-border workers might be affected by a potential fuel shortage, with possible price increases or difficulties in finding fuel. It is important to monitor the situation and adopt measures to reduce fuel consumption.

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