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Swiss traders warn of a heightened risk of fuel shortages <\/p>\n
Keystone-SDA <\/p>\n
There is a “very high” risk of fuel shortages in Switzerland, according to Florence Schurch, Secretary-General of the Swiss commodities trade association Suissen\u00e9goce.\n<\/p>\n
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May 4, 2026 – 09:45\n<\/p>\n
+ Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox<\/a><\/p>\n Schurch expressed her concerns in an interview with the French-language newspapers Tribune de Gen\u00e8ve and 24 heures. Already in March, the umbrella association had warned that, starting this month, the strategic reserves of some countries \u2013 including the Philippines, Vietnam and Bangladesh \u2013 would be depleted. <\/p>\n \u201cTo be honest, the situation is really getting complicated,\u201d Schurch said.<\/p>\n On the gas front, the situation is also described as \u201cserious\u201d. Stocks, normally accumulated during the summer, are at risk of being insufficient, not least \u201cbecause of the destruction of a refinery in Qatar, which will not be rebuilt any time soon\u201d. <\/p>\n \n More<\/p>\n More <\/p>\n Energy transition\n <\/p>\n Switzerland faces a steep energy bill due to the Middle East conflict\u00a0 <\/p>\n This content was published on <\/p>\n Mar 30, 2026 <\/p>\n The additional energy costs could amount to nearly CHF5 billion ($6.3 billion) per year, according to a researcher. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read more: Switzerland faces a steep energy bill due to the Middle East conflict\u00a0 Schurch also predicts a sharp global increase in food prices, although the impact on Switzerland is expected to remain more limited than in other countries.<\/p>\n She also pointed out that Switzerland\u2019s gas reserves are stored abroad, particularly in Germany and France. This dependency could be problematic in times of crisis. \u201cThe Covid experience has taught us that, in emergency situations, international support can fail,\u201d she noted, citing the case of the supplies of masks blocked during the pandemic.<\/p>\n No price ceiling<\/p>\n Switzerland also has only one oil refinery, which covers about 20% of national needs. However, according to Schurch, the federal government might be willing to pay higher prices in order to secure the energy supply. <\/p>\n \n More<\/p>\n More <\/p>\n War & peace\n <\/p>\n Iran war: Switzerland expects bumper tax from oil traders <\/p>\n This content was published on <\/p>\n Apr 9, 2026 <\/p>\n Geneva and Swiss government expect tax windfall from commodity traders as oil prices soar. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read more: Iran war: Switzerland expects bumper tax from oil traders In times of scarcity, competition between states becomes more and more intense, and richer nations tend to secure the available resources at any cost.<\/p>\n In recent days, the price of oil has risen above $125 per barrel, after a United States official indicated that the White House might extend the blockade of Iranian ports for several months. <\/p>\n US navy ships started a blockade of the Persian Gulf on April 13 after Iran stopped cargo ships sailing past the Stait of Hormuz unless they paid a toll. Several ships have been attacked making the perilous trip, while US warships have intercepted vessels trying to break its blockade.<\/p>\n According to the Swiss commodities expert, it cannot be ruled out that the price of oil could even rise to $150 per barrel.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no precise threshold beyond which the system stops,\u201d said Schurch. \u201cIt all depends on how operators perceive the duration of the conflict and the evolution of demand.\u201d<\/p>\n More <\/p>\n How are you dealing with the rising cost of fossil fuels? <\/p>\n The energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East has sent oil and gas prices soaring. What are the impacts of the energy crisis in your country and how are you reacting to the rise in petrol and diesel prices?\n <\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1777542433_169_benzina-prezzo.jpg\")
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