Swiss drivers cross into Austria to save on fuel
Tuesday 20th October 2026 on 15:31 in
Switzerland
Swiss drivers are crossing into Austria to fill up at lower prices, with some border petrol stations reporting that half their customers now come from Switzerland, SRF reports.
A litre of unleaded 95 costs 2.18 Swiss francs on the Swiss side of the Rhine, compared with 1.85 euros in Austria, or about 1.72 francs at current exchange rates. A 50-litre fill-up therefore costs about 109 francs in Switzerland and 86 francs in Austria.
Fuel prices are high because of the conflict in the Middle East, including concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz. Austria and Germany have introduced fuel tax relief, while mineral oil taxes in Austria are generally lower than in Switzerland.
Petra Girardi, who handles petrol station issues for the Vorarlberg Economic Association, told SRF’s Tagesschau that Austria’s fuel price brake reduces prices by about 10 to 12 euro cents per litre. “Every second car comes from Switzerland,” she said, adding that Swiss customers currently account for most sales at border stations.
Girardi said local customers in Vorarlberg are buying less fuel because of inflation and a weak economy, particularly towards the end of the month. Swiss drivers interviewed by SRF said filling up across the border was worthwhile given the prices in Switzerland.
Germany’s fuel tax cut took effect on October 1 and is due to run until the end of the year. The energy tax on petrol and diesel was reduced by about 14 cents per litre. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the total saving could reach 17 cents when the lower value-added tax is included. Super petrol at German stations costs about 2.20 euros per litre.
Several centre-right politicians have proposed a fuel discount in Switzerland. Markus Schnyder, a Swiss People’s Party member of parliament from the canton of Glarus, said fuel bought abroad means less revenue for road infrastructure and called for a discount in Switzerland.
The Social Democrats and Greens oppose a fuel discount, arguing it would encourage climate-damaging behaviour and favour people who drive a lot. In early September, the Federal Council said it saw no need for action, warning that waiving mineral oil taxes would leave a large hole in public finances. It said it was monitoring the situation.