Switzerland is considering reducing the maximum speed on its motorways to 80 km/h to combat the fuel shortage

Switzerland’s federal authorities are considering temporarily reducing the speed limit on motorways from 120 to 80 km/h to save fuel if supply problems worsen. The measure has not yet been adopted and would be implemented only in the event of a severe shortage.

The Federal Office for National Economic Supply has confirmed that limiting speed is among the options available to reduce consumption. However, the institution has not made a decision on introducing the restriction.

The supply of petroleum products is described as “very strained.” Switzerland has already authorized the use of certain quantities of diesel from mandatory reserves after difficulties emerged in transporting fuels.

Deliveries are being affected by delays on pipelines, repeated disruptions to rail traffic and drought, which is limiting river transport. Instability in the Persian Gulf region is also affecting the international fuel market.

Until a possible decision is made, authorities are advising drivers to use public transport, carpool and reduce non-essential journeys. The speed restriction would be a contingency measure, activated only if supply difficulties intensify.