Fuel: Diesel sales overtake years before Corona
MARKET More gasoline and diesel were sold in Switzerland in March 2022 than in the previous month. Diesel sales are particularly noteworthy. This is surprising against the backdrop of high fuel prices in the wake of the Ukraine war.
According to the figures now published, sales of gasoline and diesel in Switzerland are not only higher than in February, they are also significantly higher than in March 2021 and 2020, meaning that fuel sales have now returned to pre-Corona levels.
Particularly eye-catching is diesel sales, which at around 271,565 tons are about 20,000 tons (or 8%) higher than the pre-Corona 2017, 2018 and 2019 levels.
Surprise despite high prices
These figures are particularly surprising in view of the current high fuel prices: as is well known, these have risen steadily over the past twelve months in the wake of the easing Covid pandemic and have really exploded due to the Ukraine war.
It was therefore occasionally expected that consumption would fall in March. Avenergy Suisse, which represents the interests of importers of liquid fuels, sees the following explanations for the fact that exactly the opposite has now occurred:
End of the Corona measures
With the end of the Corona restrictions in mid-February, the population's need to travel has apparently increased again. This effect has manifested itself in a rapid recovery in fuel sales in recent weeks.
Price sensitivity of the population
Apparently, the population is not as price-sensitive as is often portrayed. People who depend on a car use it even when gasoline and diesel prices are above average.
Fear of a possible shortage
Many an industrial or logistics company may have filled its private diesel storage facilities at short notice for fear of a possible shortage. However, such fears are unfounded: Switzerland does not import any Russian oil and, due to its compulsory stockpiling policy, has sufficient liquid fuels at its disposal at all times.
Great advantages of liquid energy
Roland Bilang, Managing Director of Avenergy Suisse: "The current crisis once again proves the great advantages of liquid energy: no dependence on individual players, very fast and flexible logistics and the unrivaled security of supply due to the good storability of petroleum products. The petroleum industry operates smoothly and reliably even in extraordinary times, thus ensuring the supply of energy to the population and the economy."
