Why Switzerland Depends Heavily On Fossil Fuels

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East has highlighted the extent to which Switzerland continues to rely on oil and natural gas. Here are answers to key questions concerning Swiss dependence on fossil fuels. This content was published on June 5, 2026 - 11:00 10 minutes

I cover climate change and energy through reportages, articles, interviews and in-depth reports. I am interested in the impacts of global warming on everyday life and solutions for an emission-free planet. Passionate about travel and discovery, I studied biology and other natural sciences. I have been a journalist for SWI swissinfo for more than 20 years.

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The conflict in the Middle East created“the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market”, accordingExternal link to the International Energy Agency. About 20% of the world's crude oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. Its blockade has had global repercussions: higher energy prices, slower economic growth and renewed geopolitical tensions.

The war in Iran clearly shows that dependence on fossil fuels is harmful because centralised energy systems are vulnerable, arguesExternal link a group of Swiss NGOs working on climate and environmental protection, including the Swiss Energy Foundation (SES). At the end of April, they called on the federal authorities to rapidly abandon oil and natural gas.

Switzerland, while widely regarded as a model country for low‐carbon electricity production, remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Each year, the country spends billions of francs importing oil and gas from abroad. Without these hydrocarbons, Switzerland could not function as it does.

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