“We take financial issues seriously”

High fuel prices, exceeding 2.30 francs for the unleaded 95, came into play in the spring. Although the liter prices have decreased slightly, the price differences between the stations still remain significant. And hit the wallets of individual drivers hard. That’s enough, says Touring Club Schweiz (TCS). TCS managing director Jürg Wittwer (52) no longer wants to sit back and watch the course of the lubricant companies. Unlike our neighboring countries, Switzerland previously did not have a price comparison tool for gasoline prices. As Wittwer explains, this is suddenly changing now.

Mr. Wittwer, why is TCS launching a gas price radar?
Juerg Wittwer: Many TCS members and non-members want a price comparison tool when gas prices are particularly high in the spring. This gave rise to the idea of ​​doing something. After six months of development, we are now ready with our solution.

The Swiss parliament is discussing the establishment of a state oil price comparison platform. A decision should be made on this matter as soon as possible. Why is TCS launching its own platform?
We take the financial problems of the Swiss population seriously and actively wanted to rectify the situation. We were already discussing this idea before the political debate. If the federal government launches a price comparison tool, we’ll see. It will take some time to implement a government tool anyway, and by then we can fill a gap.

Do you see yourself as an add-on or competitor to any government oil price platform?
Once it becomes clear whether something will come from the state and in what form, we will take a look at it. If the price information is truly public, we can integrate it into our app. But that’s speculation. As I said, we want to solve the problem of the lack of an overview of oil prices in Switzerland here and now.

Launching a short-term usable platform only?
No, we’re gearing up for long-term benefits for everyone. After initial feedback, we will add other functions. It is not yet clear what they are.

Contrary to the spring, gas pump prices again fell slightly. Still need your gas price radar?
Gas prices may have eased a bit. However, the Swiss population suffers from inflation and higher energy and healthcare costs. We offer a way to cover rising costs by offering cheaper fuel. There is basically no reason to pay more for anything because of a lack of knowledge. Today we can compare all prices online, from socks to insurance. Why would fuel be an exception here?

You are not answering the question!
Obviously, there is more public interest when the price of oil is high. But our gas price radar is useful even when the price isn’t that high anymore. Every penny saved counts. Therefore, our platform will be popular even when the price of gasoline is no longer a major issue.

What price differences have you already discovered with the new app?
TCS employees have logged over 25,000 entries on the platform to date. We discovered price differences of up to 30 centimeters per liter. This quickly becomes important. Of course, it doesn’t always make sense to go to another gas station due to minor differences. The “rule of five” applies: a price 5 inches lower per liter is only valuable if there is a deviation of up to 5 kilometers per route and the tank is at least 50 liters full.

How important is the price of gasoline in the budget of Swiss consumers?
It all depends on it. A quick reckoning: A Swiss person drives an average of 12,000 kilometers per year. Gasoline costs around 1700 francs, with an average of seven liters per 100 kilometers and about two francs per liter. This is of course lower than major expenses such as rent or healthcare. But here you can save a lot – about 250 francs per year by this calculation.

Can you use the platform to lower the price of gas?
The platform provides what has long been standard for most products on the Internet, namely an overview of prices. This always puts pressure on prices and makes economic sense. In this respect, it is certainly desirable that it has a positive effect on the oil price.

How does TCS itself benefit from this?
As an association, we proceed differently from individual companies. We do what we think is logical and right for our members and for Switzerland. And we hope that the club will be rewarded for its investment and commitment.

Why has Switzerland struggled so far over the transparency of fuel prices?
Good question. Perhaps for various reasons Switzerland has had to pay less attention to oil prices in the past. We’re talking centimeter differences. But these can still make some money over the course of a full year.

However, the platform only helps when the data is up to date. On a participatory platform – given the 3,300 gas stations in Switzerland – is there no risk of gaps or outdated prices being displayed?
I’m convinced this will work. Such participatory models are in keeping with the spirit of the times. Information at remote gas stations may not always be up to date. However, in densely populated areas, we will be able to cover prices very quickly. Initially this is a chicken and egg problem. Therefore, we will continue to feed the data ourselves. But I have no doubt that many will attend.

How do you prevent the platform from being misused, i.e. deliberately recording false pricing information?
We have considered this risk. You cannot collect random data, you must be physically on the site when you enter. This is provided by a location. In addition, the more users active the misinformation, the faster it will be exposed. The situation is clear if ten users enter 1.90 francs per liter and one enters 1.30 francs for a gas station. Audience, so to speak, defines the quality of information.

What if the gas station attendant is charged the wrong price?
We also encourage gas stations to enter their own prices. If a gas station attendant deliberately provides false information, it will be revealed quickly. In case the same event repeats, we can make such gas stations invisible in the app.

Why aren’t gas stations listed just across the border? This will help.
On the one hand, there are already price comparison applications abroad, so information is available. On the other hand, we wanted to focus on Switzerland.

In fact, they wish the Swiss people to reflexively update the current price in the app every time they refuel. Do you create incentives for this as well?
For each data entry, points are awarded that can be redeemed in sweepstakes with competitive prizes. Hardworking users can earn gas price coupons.