Calls to cut fuel tax

Wednesday, 15 April 2026 06:30

Bern is facing growing pressure to act as fuel prices rise sharply, driven by global tensions pushing oil above USD 100 a barrel.

While other countries have already cut energy taxes to ease the burden on motorists, Swiss leaders remain divided.

The Swiss People’s Party is calling for a reduction - or even abolition - of the oil tax to bring down prices.

But opponents warn this would weaken funding for infrastructure and ignore wider cost pressures.

Others argue high prices should instead accelerate the shift to alternative energy.

The Federal Council has yet to outline its response.

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