Motorists in Switzerland have to dig deeper into their pockets these days to fill up their vehicles with petrol, after a drought-related price hike.
The cost of petrol had initially gone up in Switzerland in March, since the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28.
Shipments of oil toward Europe were disrupted, resulting at higher at-pump prices.
At that time, the average price of unleaded 95 rose to 1.90 francs per litre – .5 cents more than previously.
Then, in June, after weeks of climbing prices, the average price for a litre of unleaded 95 dropped to a more reasonablle 1,88 franc.
A litre of diesel also became 2 cents cheaper at 2.10 francs per litre.
In fact, petrol was then a bit cheaper in Switzerland than in many parts of Europe, and it was not unusual to see motorists living in border regions of France and Germany fill up at stations in Switzerland.
But this ‘respite’ didn’t last long.
What’s the situation now?
According to Touring Club Suisse (TCS) motoring organisation, which keeps track of fuel costs n Switzerland, prices are now at an “almost unprecedented” high level.
Due to persistent drought, which has caused the water level in the Rhine river to drop, fewer tankers can transport fuel from the North Sea ports to Basel.
READ MORE: Why is the Rhine river so important for the Swiss economy?
Consequently, unleaded 95 now costs 2.02 francs per litre on average, while diesel has reached 2.27 francs per litre.
You can compare prices for all grades on the TCS site here.
