Petrol: prices at the most in the last two years (cross-border guide)

Context

Petrol prices have risen by 4 cents per litre and reach the highest level in the last two years. According to data published by the Touring Club Schweiz (TCS), the average price of 95 unleaded gasoline rose to 1.96 francs per liter, compared to 1.92 francs in the previous survey, an increase of 2.1 percent.

This increase is mainly due to the price of the raw material, which has risen by about 10 cents per liter in recent months. The price of gasoline has therefore increased by more than 20 cents per liter compared to the beginning of the year.

According to TCS data, the price of gasoline varies greatly depending on the canton. For example, in the canton of Zurich the average price of petrol is CHF 1.98 per litre, while in the canton of Geneva it is CHF 2.00 per litre. In the canton of Bern, the average price of gasoline is 1.95 francs per liter.

The price of gasoline is also influenced by Swiss legislation. For example, the Federal Energy Law (LFE) of 30 April 2019 sets a ceiling for gasoline prices. However, this ceiling has not been reached in recent months due to rising commodity prices.

Here are some concrete examples of how this price increase can affect a car's expenses:

• A car that consumes 10 litres of petrol per day, with an average price of 1.92 francs per litre, costs 19.20 francs per day.
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Operational details

The TCS also points to temporary reductions in fuel exports from China and the persistently low water level of the Rhine, which makes transporting petroleum products to Switzerland more burdensome. This scenario is helping to keep gasoline prices at a two-year high.

According to TCS data, the reduction in fuel exports from China is due to the COVID-19 containment measures adopted by the Chinese government, which limited oil production and trade. This has led to an increase in fuel demand in the region and a consequent increase in prices.

Meanwhile, the persistently low water level of the Rhine is making it more expensive to transport petroleum products to Switzerland. The Rhine is one of the main oil transport channels in Europe, and its low level is causing delays and increases in transport costs.

According to data from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the Rhine's water level has been below normal throughout the summer. This caused delays and increases in the costs of transporting petroleum products to Switzerland, with an increase of about 10% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Moreover, the reduction in fuel exports from China is also affecting gasoline prices in Switzerland. According to TCS data, gasoline prices increased by about 5% compared to the same period

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Key points

In Switzerland, gasoline prices have risen over the past two years, reaching an all-time high. This increase is due to several factors, including the war in Ukraine and the resulting restrictions on Russian oil exports, as well as the recovery of the global economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to data from the Federal Office of Roads (UFS), the price of gasoline has increased by more than 20% over the past two years. In July 2022, the price of petrol was around CHF 1.80 per litre, while in July 2024 it rose to around CHF 2.20 per litre.

This increase in gasoline prices is having a significant impact on the pockets of Swiss drivers. According to a survey conducted by the UFS, 60% of Swiss drivers said they have reduced their gasoline outflows over the past two years.

Concrete example: if a Swiss driver drives an average of 10,000 km per year with a car that consumes 8 liters of gasoline per 100 km, the annual cost of gasoline would be about CHF 1,600 (10,000 km x 8 liters/100 km x 2.20 CHF/liter). If petrol outlets are reduced by only 10%, the annual cost of petrol would be around CHF 1,440 (10,000 km x 8 litres/100 km x CHF 2.10/litre).

In addition, you can consider purchasing an electric or hybrid car, which may be cheaper to use in the long run. According to data from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Transport, Energy

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Source: tio.ch