Switzerland has authorised the release of petroleum products from its strategic emergency reserves after an interruption at the Cressier oil refinery in the canton of Neuchâtel added pressure to the country’s fuel supply system.

The Swiss government announced on September 8, 2026, that supplies of petroleum products remain secure despite the refinery disruption and restricted transportation on the Rhine. To support the market during the interruption, authorities have approved withdrawals from the country’s mandatory stockpiles.

The emergency reserves are designed to provide Switzerland with an additional buffer when normal fuel supply channels face disruption. By making some of these stocks available, the authorities aim to ensure that petrol, diesel and other petroleum products remain available to consumers and businesses.

The Cressier refinery plays an important role in Switzerland’s domestic petroleum supply. Its operational interruption has come alongside constraints affecting deliveries through the Rhine, creating additional pressure on the country’s normal supply routes.

According to the government announcement, the temporary release of compulsory reserves will help compensate for the disruption and support market stability while the refinery situation is addressed. The measure is specifically intended to maintain the availability of petroleum products across Switzerland.

Switzerland maintains compulsory stocks of important commodities as part of its broader economic-supply policy. Such reserves can be deployed when unexpected events threaten normal access to essential goods.

The latest decision demonstrates how strategic reserves can be used as a short-term response to infrastructure and transportation disruptions. Rather than indicating that the country has run out of fuel, the government said supplies remain currently secured with the additional stock releases helping to maintain that position.

The announcement comes as Switzerland continues to monitor developments affecting its energy and transport supply chains. Authorities will be able to assess the need for further measures depending on how long the refinery interruption and transport restrictions continue.

The Swiss government’s official news service published the announcement on September 8, 2026, making it the latest verified government press release selected for Switzerland in this series.