Bern preparing for fuel shortages

Switzerland is bracing for possible fuel shortages after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global oil supplies.

Authorities warn that kerosene could become scarce within weeks, raising concerns for air travel ahead of the summer season.

The Federal Office for National Economic Supply says the last tankers that passed through the strait are now arriving in Europe, with no new shipments expected. 

Switzerland could release its strategic reserves if needed, which cover several months of demand. 

Possible measures include calls for voluntary energy savings, reduced driving, and a shift to public transport. The government could also impose speed limits to cut fuel consumption.

The Green Party is also suggesting issuing the half price travel card for free, to try to persuade people to leave the car at home. 

Officials say the situation is being closely monitored as the wider energy crisis unfolds.

More from Bitesize News

  • Hotter today than the weekend

    The heatwave is set to intensify today, with temperatures expected to climb even higher than over the weekend.

  • Heat melting the roads

    Traffic congestion on the autoroutes has reached a new record.

  • Govt wants war drones and fighting robots

    The military is set for a major overhaul, with plans to create a dedicated drone and robotics battalion by 2028.

  • Iranian talks cause Kloten shut down

    Preparations for expected U.S.-Iran talks at the Bürgenstock have caused major disruption at Zurich' Kloten Airport. An urgently introduced no-fly zone around the summit venue is being linked to a technical malfunction that affected radar displays at air traffic control provider Skyguide yesterday morning. The failure halted all departures from Zurich for more than an hour, disrupting dozens of flights. Take-offs resumed shortly before 8 a.m., but reduced airspace capacity meant delays continued throughout the morning as authorities worked to restore normal operations.

  • Congestion reaches new highs

    Traffic congestion on the autoroutes has reached a new record.

  • Govt looks to ban Nazi symbols

    The government wants to ban the public display of Nazi symbols, including swastikas, Hitler salutes and SS insignia.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play