80 km/h on the motorway to save fuel: Bern's proposal under review

The federal administration has launched an internal consultation in Bern on a possible reduction of the maximum motorway speed limit, from the current 120 km/h to 80 km/h. The news was revealed on Saturday by newspapers of the CH Media group.

The idea stems from fears of a possible shortage of petroleum products, particularly petrol and diesel. Two factors make the situation more delicate: limited passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the drought affecting the Rhine, a river also used to transport fuel to Switzerland.

A spokesperson for the Federal Office for National Economic Supply explained that the speed reduction would, in the event of a severe shortage, accompany withdrawals from mandatory kerosene reserves and from the emergency diesel reserves decided a few days ago.

Withdrawals already under way

Between 23 October and 22 November 2026, up to 45,000 cubic metres of diesel can be withdrawn from Switzerland's mandatory reserves. The Federal Office for National Economic Supply announced this on Friday.

The withdrawal was decided after heavy rainfall in southern France caused delays in pipeline deliveries. In a supply situation already strained by the war in Iran, this has created a temporary diesel shortage.

Kerosene supply remains guaranteed thanks to withdrawals authorised until 1 November 2026. Petrol and heating oil, meanwhile, are assured without the need for extraordinary measures.

The Federal Office notes that it has not yet been established how much fuel could actually be saved by driving more slowly on the motorway, nor what criteria would trigger the reduction of the limit. It is one of the options being studied, not a decision that has been taken.

Other measures under consideration include appeals to the public to save energy, which could involve encouraging people to use public transport or limit unnecessary trips. As a measure of national scope, any reduction of the limit would also affect motorway sections in Ticino.