Petrol prices in Switzerland: TCS advises as Iran conflict drives up fuel costs
If you've filled up recently, you'll have felt it in your wallet: Petrol prices in Switzerland are on the up again. What many motorists are noticing at the pump has a solid political background. The escalating conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are driving oil prices sky-high worldwide – and Switzerland isn't immune.
Why filling up is getting more expensive now
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most crucial waterways, handling about a fifth of global oil trade. Recent hostilities and statements from Tehran have caused major uncertainty in supply chains. The result? The price of crude oil has absolutely rocketed in just a few days. Even though the petrol we're using today was bought and refined weeks ago, importers pass on these higher procurement costs to us consumers after a short delay. So, it's less about "rip-offs," as some mutter at the till, and more a straightforward knock-on effect from international markets. We felt the first wave back in late February, and it won't be the last.
The two-Franc mark in sight?
The big question on everyone's mind now is: just how high will petrol prices in Switzerland go? Experts at Avenergy Suisse reckon we could soon see the two-Francs-per-litre mark again. Roland Bilang, the director of the industry association, warns that prices will continue to climb in the coming days and weeks. The last time we saw these levels was during the energy crisis following the Ukraine war, when prices briefly shot up to over CHF 2.20. Then, as now, geopolitical crises mean profits jingle in the tills of oil companies – and motorists foot the bill. The "Mr. Price," Stefan Meierhans, can only watch helplessly, as he recently made clear he lacks the legal power to challenge these "opportunistic" price hikes. Nicolas Pages, an independent energy economist, is also pessimistic: "Uncertainty remains the biggest driver of prices – and the markets are reacting like a Frankenstein's monster that's almost impossible to control."
The TCS as your guide through the pricing chaos
But it's not quite as hopeless as it sounds. The TCS - Touring Club Switzerland offers an excellent tool for hunting down a bargain with its petrol price radar. Because one thing is clear: the Comparis fuel price comparison for Switzerland (and similar services) consistently shows just how huge the differences can be. If you just pull into the nearest motorway service station, you'll pay over the odds. But if you shop around a bit, you can make real savings. Here are a few strategies to beat the madness:
- Avoid the motorway: Service stations on national roads are traditionally the priciest. Prices here can easily top two Francs, while it's significantly cheaper just down the road in a village.
- Use comparison apps: Whether it's the TCS radar or services like Cheap Fuel Prices — Fillzz – a quick glance at your phone before setting off can save a tidy sum. It's particularly worthwhile near the border or in areas with lots of suppliers.
- Think local to save money: The TCS's 2025 analysis shows that Basel-Land and Jura are the cheapest places to fill up with unleaded 95 and 98. It's expensive, on the other hand, in Uri or Geneva. And if you're really looking to save, head to Samnaun – thanks to its customs exclusion zone, fuel is unbeatable value there, even if the municipality is often excluded from the official statistics.
- Don't be surprised by regional differences: Pricing policy is often opaque. While Migrol has been open about communicating price increases, others like Agrola or Avia are keeping quiet, pointing to their regional co-operatives which make their own decisions.
A look at the latest figures
To put this in perspective: at the beginning of February, the average price for a litre of unleaded 95 was around CHF 1.67. Those days are gone for now. Many filling stations, like those at Coop Pronto, have already hiked prices to CHF 1.75. And it's set to continue. My bet is that we'll see the two-franc mark in many places within the next fortnight. The situation is fluid, and hopes for a swift end to the conflict have unfortunately faded. Uncertainty remains the biggest price driver.
So, stay alert, compare prices – you might even stumble across the odd station that hasn't raised theirs yet. In times like these, filling up becomes a strategic task.