Switzerland's Winter Energy Woes: Prices Soar Amid Global Disruptions

Switzerland is bracing for winter as concerns grow over energy prices and gas supplies. Six months into the US-Iran war, the country has avoided fuel shortages but faces sharply higher energy prices due to global market disruptions.

The war has not disrupted Swiss fuel imports, says Avenergy, the Swiss fuel importers' association. 'Supply has always been and continues to be guaranteed,' said Ueli Bamert, Avenergy spokesperson.

Switzerland's limited reliance on Gulf crude has helped insulate supplies from the conflict, but consumers are still paying more for oil and fuel. Brent crude remains 25% above its pre-war level at around $90 (CHF72) a barrel, while European diesel prices have surged by over 70% since the conflict began.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has also added to pressure on Swiss residents, who earn high incomes but spend comparatively little on utilities. Low water levels on the River Rhine have disrupted deliveries of petroleum products from North Sea ports to Basel in northern Switzerland, pushing up transport costs and fuel prices.