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Fuel prices in Switzerland are higher than in all neighboring countries. The parties are calling for state measures to cushion high energy prices or even price reductions.
There is a need for action, said Economics Minister Guy Parmelin in the business program “ECO” and confirmed that a task force is currently investigating the sharp rise in energy prices. Specifically, the measures in neighboring countries – such as Germany, France and Italy – which have already reduced their fuel prices by the state, are also to be analyzed.
The conclusion of the working group should be available at the end of May. If the situation worsens in the meantime, it could happen sooner.
Demands from petrol discounts to fuel vouchers
One thing is certain: there are numerous demands from the most important political parties on the table that are intended to give consumers a helping hand. The SVP demands that petrol be reduced, and the FDP has said something similar. The center proposes fuel vouchers for people with lower incomes, while GLP, Greens and SP are skeptical about discounts on petrol. Instead, the SP calls for support for tenants who have higher heating bills.
Tank tourism is increasing
Unilateral state-imposed price reductions in neighboring countries are already clearly noticeable in Switzerland. Italy, which has reduced fuel prices, is benefiting from increasing tank tourism from Ticino. In eastern Switzerland, motorists are also increasingly visiting Austrian petrol stations because the neighboring country has a lower mineral oil tax. In Euroland, according to the German Automobile Club ADAC (quality super), only in Greece, the Netherlands and Denmark are fuel prices higher than in Switzerland.
Risk of unwanted side effects
Tobias Schmidt, Professor of Energy and Technology Policy at ETH Zurich, says that a task force and quick, unthought-out price reductions alone are not enough. The risk of undesirable side effects is great: “Demand is increasing, CO2 emissions are increasing, and it is becoming more difficult to achieve climate targets.”
If the demand for fuel increases, Russia can sell more oil again, which plays into the hands of the Russian regime.
In addition, price cuts would relieve people with large cars and high consumption, and these are typically the rich, who are then subsidized with tax cuts, says Schmidt. Third: “If the demand for fuel increases, Russia can sell more oil again, which plays into the hands of the Russian regime.”
At the same time, however, explains Schmidt, one has to say that Switzerland, as a country that lives primarily from services, has a lower energy requirement in its value creation than other countries: “The problem is manageable in this country, it mainly affects commuters with low incomes. »