# Rail Problems: Government Permits Kerosene Withdrawals from Strategic Reserves

**Category:** Operational Alerts  |  **Source:** Bundesamt für wirtschaftliche Landesversorgung (BWL)  |  **Published:** 2026-10-24  |  **Updated:** 2026-10-28

**Tags:** Flughafen Zürich, Kerosin, Pflichtlager, Schweiz, Deutschland, Luftfracht, Schienengüterverkehr, Lieferkette, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, Schienentransport, Digitalisierung

> Zurich faces a kerosene shortage. The federal government permits limited mandatory stock purchases. Air freight customers should monitor their booked flights.

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The federal government has permitted withdrawals from mandatory stockpiles due to disrupted kerosene deliveries. Zurich Airport's supply is affected. The authorization is valid from October 15 through November 1, 2026 inclusive. Up to 30,000 cubic meters of aviation fuel may be withdrawn. This is reported by the Federal Office for National Economic Supply. Aviation fuel is the fuel used for commercial aircraft, commonly known as kerosene.

The trigger is failures and major delays in international rail freight transport. In particular, access routes from Germany are causing problems. At the same time, due to the low Rhine water level, additional goods were diverted to rail transport. This leaves little room to quickly catch up on failed deliveries. ([Federal announcement](https://www.bwl.admin.ch/de/newnsb/QW9zBGsF8hJ9))

For air cargo, this is a supply issue that belongs in daily planning. The release is intended to bridge the gap. However, this cannot be interpreted as a guarantee for every flight or as an existing operational restriction.

Those shipping time-critical goods through Zurich should confirm the scheduled flight and acceptance deadline with the airline or handling agent. A precautionary rebooking without concrete restrictions can trigger unnecessary costs. For sensitive goods, an alternative route should nevertheless be prepared. What matters ultimately is what the booked service provider confirms for the individual shipment.

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For dispatch planning, the actual flight status is what matters. For urgent shipments, check alternative flights and possible additional connections. Shippers should factor in time buffers for their pickup planning. Coordination with the handling agent belongs in the shipment file. In short: supply is supported, but critical air cargo shipments still require close monitoring.

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Federal notification dated October 15, 2026.

Allocations are approved until and including November 1.

Maximum quantity: 30,000 cubic meters of aviation fuel.

This corresponds to 6.5 percent of existing aviation fuel mandatory reserves.

International rail issues are affecting supply to Zurich.

Access routes from Germany are particularly affected.

## Related Entities

### Countries

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

### Airports

- [Zürich Airport (ZRH)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/zuerich-airport-zrh)

### Glossary

- [Closing](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/closing)
- [Supply Chain](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/supply-chain)
- [rail freight transport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/rail-freight-transport-4)
- [Air Cargo](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-cargo)
- [Authorization](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/authorization)
- [Compulsory stockpile (mandatory reserve)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/compulsory-stockpile-mandatory-reserve)

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