Energie: Darum drohen der Schweiz zum Beginn der Heizsaison Engpässe bei der Heizöl-Versorgung

As the heating season begins, Switzerland faces potential supply shortages for heating oil. In the Bern area, purchasing 3,000 liters of oil costs 171 francs (around 183 euros) per 100 liters, according to Volenergy dealer. Comparatively, the official reference price in the canton of Zurich stood at 117.50 francs (about 126 euros) at the end of June, versus around 98 francs (roughly 105 euros) a year ago.

The price surge directly impacts households, as roughly one-third of Switzerland's residential buildings are heated with heating oil. The primary reasons for the price increase stem from the conflict in Iran and the consequences for global supply chains and energy markets. However, the strained supply situation is also due to low water levels on the Rhine, which has traditionally served as a crucial transport route for oil imports.

The Swiss Federal Economic Infrastructure (WL) report stated that the Rhine is currently unusable for mineral oil imports due to historically low water levels. Despite this, Volenergy is charging a 15 to 18 cent surcharge per liter due to the reduced Rhine transportation capacity. The bottleneck lies in Germany, specifically in the Middle Rhine Valley, where the water level at Kaub is at its lowest point since the 2018 crisis.

From September 25 to October 8, it fell below zero on multiple days, with a record low of ten centimeters on October 10. Although the level does not directly indicate water depth, a five-centimeter level means ships can only load less than a meter of cargo. Freight traffic on the Rhine is "massively limited." The situation is comparable to the lowest water level events in the past ten years, according to the Rhine authorities.

June and July already saw levels lower than in the 2018 crisis year, which will be a significant impact on Schifffahrt. Germany is the main supplier, with two-thirds of imported oil products, including heating oil and diesel, coming from Germany in 2025. However, imports have plummeted to 38,800 tons in August, nearly 80% less than a year prior.

Food and chemical imports also dropped by more than three-quarters. The Landesversorgung reported that only occasional ships carrying 300 to 400 tons are navigating the German sections of the Rhine, far below the usual volume. Particularly concerning is the kerosene supply, which could tighten "by mid-October," according to the Landesversorgung.

The compulsory storage reserves are insufficient, holding only 76 days instead of the required 90. The federal government had to release the storage in September due to a defect at the sole Swiss refinery in Cressier. Imports must now rely on rail transport, but the railroad is already at capacity with limited wagons and personnel.

Volenergy notes that the market competition for logistics is fierce, as the situation is exacerbated by Germany's supply constraints as well. The Landesversorgung does not expect a quick recovery, predicting potential "delivery problems" if demand remains high in the autumn and winter, as much oil was not purchased in the summer.

Volenergy supplied 30% less heating oil in September compared to the previous year, with tank levels at their lowest in five years. Many customers only ordered once the tank was almost empty, which could lead to longer delivery times during winter or around Christmas.