Imagine that Switzerland is preparing for a global energy crisis, but there is less fuel in the compulsory aviation reserves than planned. While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are rising, Switzerland’s aviation fuel stocks are currently below the legal norm.
Although the law requires compulsory stocks to cover 90 days, a spokesperson for the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) confirmed that stocks are currently sufficient for only 72 days. This shortfall is sensitive, as the reserves are intended to serve as a buffer in the event of a crisis, such as the tense situation in the Middle East and the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
The reason for the shortfall lies in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic: supply chains came to a standstill after the lockdowns. While air traffic later recovered quickly, the replenishment of stocks lagged behind. This delay has now left Switzerland with reduced reserves at a time of global uncertainty.
Industry figures, however, downplay the concern. Carbura director Andrea Studer told Swiss public broadcaster RTS that current stocks would last for around three months in the event of a total import ban. If imports were to fall by just 25%, stocks could even be stretched to up to twelve months through targeted management.