Switzerland Releases Up to 50,000 Cubic Meters of Jet Fuel Reserves for Zurich and Geneva Airports
Why It MattersDrawing down strategic reserves twice in weeks shows Swiss airports exposed to refinery, rail and Rhine shipping constraints, a supply-chain risk that reaches business jets operating through Geneva and Zurich.
For the second time in a few weeks, Switzerland is drawing on its mandatory jet fuel reserves to supply the Zurich and Geneva airports. On Tuesday, the Delegate for National Economic Supply authorized the release of up to 50,000 cubic meters by the end of November.
The Federal Office for Economic Supply (BWL) said the shortage stems from restrictions at refineries in southern France and Germany, as well as rail service disruptions. As a result, the airports in Geneva and Zurich depended on supplies from warehouses despite low demand in November. In October, an initial tranche of 30,000 cubic meters of aviation fuel had already been released to ensure supplies to Zurich Airport.
With the new allocation, a total of 17.4 percent of the mandatory aviation fuel reserves has been drawn down, according to the BWL. The Delegate can approve withdrawals of up to 20 percent on his own authority. The supply of petroleum products to Switzerland has been tight for months, mainly because of restrictions on shipping on the Rhine, and since September strategic reserves have been tapped a total of four times. The BWL added that the supply of gasoline and heating oil is currently secure but also tight.
