The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has authorised withdrawals of up to 30,000 m³ of compulsory jet-fuel stocks between 15 October and 1 November 2026 after rail-freight disruptions threatened supplies at Zurich Airport. A series of freight train cancellations and delays on routes from Germany, aggravated by low Rhine water levels that forced cargo back onto already congested tracks, meant scheduled deliveries of aviation kerosene could not reach Switzerland in time. The 30,000 m³ allocation represents about 6.5 % of the country’s mandatory aviation-fuel reserve and should bridge the gap until normal rail services resume. Under Switzerland’s economic-supply legislation, importers must hold compulsory stocks of key commodities— including jet fuel— that can be released during exceptional bottlenecks. SECO’s delegated official, Roland Pfister, stressed that the measure is temporary and targeted, designed to “support the market and prevent flight operations being curtailed at the country’s main hub.” Airlines operating at Zurich, among them SWISS, Edelweiss and numerous long-haul carriers, have been advised to plan fuel uplifts carefully and to file contingency flight plans in case of ramp rationing. The airport handled over 3 million passengers in September and remains a critical node for multinational firms headquartered in the Zurich economic region. A shortage of aviation fuel could have forced diversions, schedule reductions and costly tanker-in operations from neighbouring hubs, disrupting cargo chains and business travel itineraries at the start of the autumn conference season. Corporate mobility managers should monitor fuelling notices (NOTAMs) and advise travellers to allow extra connection time in case of refuelling queues. SECO says stocks of petrol, diesel and heating oil remain adequate nationally, but warns that any further deterioration of freight flows could require broader interventions.
Source: SECO press release
