# Petrol and Diesel Supply Strained Due to Rhine and Hormuz

**Category:** Operational Alerts  |  **Source:** [Partner] move logistics  |  **Published:** 2026-08-19  |  **Updated:** 2026-08-20

**Tags:** benzin, diesel, rhein, schweiz, pflichtlager, rheinschifffahrt, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, Schienentransport, Zoll

> Transport capacity is lacking on the Rhine, while oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is congested. Gasoline and diesel supplies are available, but reserves are on standby.

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Currently, Swiss gas stations still have sufficient petrol and diesel supplies. Nevertheless, the situation is more tense than normal.

The reason is an unfavorable combination: the Rhine is carrying historically low water levels. Many vessels can therefore only carry reduced loads or cannot operate at all. This means that transport capacity is lacking precisely on an important import route.

At the same time, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is severely restricted. Important international oil transports pass through this sea lane. According to federal authorities, this has no direct consequences for Switzerland in August. However, it remains an additional risk if the conflict persists longer or if further supply routes fail.

Currently, rail, trucks, pipelines, company reserves, and the refinery in Cressier are helping to maintain supply. However, this only works as long as no major problems arise there.

Mandatory reserves have not yet been released. If there is genuinely insufficient product reaching the market, the federal government can release these reserves. However, this would be no guarantee for lower prices: the product would be sold at normal market prices.

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For the dispatcher, this means: keeping an eye on diesel availability and prices. For larger quantities, it's better to inquire with the supplier early on and not wait until the tank is almost empty.

Shippers should factor in potential additional costs for transport. If cargo is shifted from ship to rail or truck, it can become tighter and more expensive.

In short: supply is still running, but the Rhine and Hormuz are simultaneously putting pressure on the supply chain.

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Switzerland's supply of gasoline and diesel is currently assured.

Rhine water levels are at historic lows.

Vessels can only operate with reduced cargo capacity or are completely suspended.

Supply via the Rhine is severely restricted.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is significantly constrained.

According to BWL, there are no direct impacts on commodity availability in August.

Rail, road, pipeline, and the Cressier refinery support supply.

Strategic reserves have not been released to date.

Strategic reserve quantities for gasoline and diesel exceed the prescribed minimum levels.

Strategic reserve goods would be sold at current market prices.

## Related Entities

### Countries

- [Switzerland](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ch)

### Glossary

- [Swiss truckers](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/swiss-truckers)
- [Transport capacity](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/transport-capacity)
- [Goods](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/goods)
- [Inland Waterway Transport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/inland-waterway-transport)
- [Warehouse](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/warehouse)
- [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/strait-of-hormuz)
- [Pipeline](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/pipeline)
- [Low Water Surcharge (LWS)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/low-water-surcharge-lws)
- [Compulsory stockpile (mandatory reserve)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/compulsory-stockpile-mandatory-reserve)

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