Switzerland considers 80 km/h motorway speed limit due to fuel shortages

The Swiss Federal Office for Economic Affairs (BWL) is evaluating a potential nationwide reduction of the motorway speed limit from 120 km/h to 80 km/h as an emergency crisis management tool. This measure would only be implemented in the event of a severe fuel shortage to reduce consumption and extend the availability of national reserves.

Currently, the supply of diesel and aviation kerosene is under pressure. Key factors contributing to the instability include low water levels on the Rhine, which restrict the transport of petroleum products by ship, and delivery delays via pipelines following heavy rainfall in southern France.

To manage the current tension, authorities have already begun accessing mandatory strategic reserves, including 45 million liters of diesel and a portion of aviation fuel. Beyond speed limits, the government may encourage voluntary conservation measures such as carpooling, increased use of public transport, and reducing non-essential travel.