{
  "id": 14964173,
  "title": "Energie: Darum drohen der Schweiz zum Beginn der Heizsaison Engpässe bei der Heizöl-Versorgung",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/energie-darum-drohen-der-schweiz-zum-beginn-der-heizsaison-engpasse",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-16T13:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/energie-warum-wird-das-oel-in-der-schweiz-zum-start-der-heizsaison-knapper/100261898.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "As the heating season begins, Switzerland faces potential supply shortages for heating oil. In the Bern region, a 3000-liter purchase costs 171 Franken (about 183 euros) per 100 liters, according to dealer Volenergy. Compared to Zürich's official reference price of 117.50 Franken (around 126 euros) per 100 liters at the end of June, it has more than doubled. One in three Swiss households relies on heating oil. The price surge is primarily due to the war in Iran and its impact on global supply chains and energy markets. However, the strained supply stems from low water levels on the Rhine, a crucial transport route for oil imports. The Swiss Federal Economic Infrastructure Office reported that the Rhine is currently not usable for mineral oil imports. While normally vital for transporting oil, its current low water levels have caused Volenergy to charge 15 to 18 millicents per liter more. The obstruction lies in Germany, particularly in the Middle Rhine region, where water levels at Kaub are at their lowest in years, making it difficult for ships to load. The Rhine's current situation is compared to no low water event in the past decade, with worst-case scenarios predicting significant disruptions for freight transport. Germany, being the main supplier, has reduced its contribution by nearly 80 percent since August 2025, leaving imported goods like heating oil and diesel at drastically lower levels. The shortage of storage capacity, especially for kerosene, is critical. The Swiss federal authority notes that only sporadic shipments of 300 to 400 tonnes are arriving at the Basel ports, far below the usual volumes. With only limited railway capacity and limited flexibility, imports may face shortages. Even Germany's supply is under strain, indicating a competitive market for logistics. Volenergy has already reduced its oil deliveries by 30 percent compared to the previous year and warns of potential delivery problems due to the low demand before winter.",
  "summary": "Die Preise steigen, das Heizöl wird knapp: In der Schweiz treten Sorgen vor Auslieferungsproblemen auf. Der Rhein in Deutschland spielt dabei aus zwei Gründen eine Schlüsselrolle.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Energie: Darum drohen der Schweiz zum Beginn der Heizsaison Engpässe bei der Heizöl-Versorgung",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/energie-darum-drohen-der-schweiz-zum-beginn-der-heizsaison-engpasse-14979140",
        "published": "2026-10-16T14:49:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}