Switzerland said Friday it would have to tap into its strategic diesel reserves to cover delays in pipeline deliveries from neighbouring France, but insisted the Alpine country’s supplies were assured.
“Delayed pipeline deliveries due to heavy rainfall in southern France have led to a short-term shortage of diesel oil in an already very tense supply situation,” the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) said in a statement.
“However, withdrawals from mandatory reserves will help offset this temporary shortfall, ensuring that Switzerland’s diesel supply remains secure.”
Up to 45,000 cubic metres may be drawn between October 23 and November 22, representing just under four percent of the current stockpile.
“The situation in international oil markets has been strained since the start of the Iran war,” FONES said.
“Furthermore, Switzerland’s logistics and supply chains have been severely disrupted for months due to persistently low water levels on the Rhine.
“Consequently, any issue affecting an alternative mode of transport can quickly lead to constriction.”
On October 15, due to delays and cancellations in international rail freight transport, Zurich Airport was threatened with a shortage of aviation fuel, said FONES, which opened up kerosene stockpiles.
It said Friday that the national supply of aviation fuel was now guaranteed due to purchases from the stockpiles, approved until November 1.
While the supply of gasoline and heating oil is ensured, “the situation remains tense and precarious for all petroleum products”, it said.
Crude oil prices have ballooned during the eight-month Iran war as Tehran has disrupted transit through the Strait of Hormuz — the main exit route for the Gulf’s energy exports — with diesel prices among the hardest hit.
