Swiss motorists might have noticed that the price of fuel at the pump has fallen slightly, from more than 2 francs per litre of unleaded 95 throughout the summer and at the beginning of September.
Market analysis carried out by Touring Club Suisse (TCS) motoring organisation confirms this trend.
Currently, a litre of unleaded 95 in Swiss filling stations costs on average 1.92 francs — around 15 cents less than at the beginning of September and 39 cents less than during the historic record in June.
Will this downward trend last?
For the moment, industry experts are not making any predictions, either way.
That’s because the price at the pump depends not only on the price of crude oil, but also on other factors, according to TCS.
They include — aside from geopolitical evolution in eastern Europe — transport costs, production rate, and the rate of the dollar.
Is it still cheaper to fuel up your car in neighbouring countries?
When the price of petrol exceeded 2 francs per litre in Switzerland, it made sense to buy gasoline across the border, especially when the franc gained strength against the euro in August.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED: What the weakening euro means for Switzerland’s residents
It may still be worthwhile, depending on the country.
In Germany, for instance, a litre of unleaded 95 costs on average 1.992, which is equivalent to the new price in Switzerland, according to TCS.
On the other hand, prices are lower in Italy (1.757), Austria (1.764), and, above all, France (1.57).
This TCS chart indicates per-litre prices in all European countries, which may help you decide were to buy petrol.
As for the cost of other energy sources, it is not expected to decrease any time soon: on the contrary, forecasts call for higher prices.
READ MORE: Swiss government confirms ‘sharp increase’ in electricity prices
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