The Council of States is against: the government price calculator for petrol is off the table

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After the small chamber’s no, the initiative, which the National Council had approved in December, is off the table. The argument prevailed that such a platform already existed. It is operated by the Swiss Touring Club (TCS).

It covers the need and government intervention is no longer necessary. It’s also important to avoid setting a precedent – further demands for such state comparison services could follow.

The Federal Council also pointed out that it is up to the National Bank to ensure price stability. They have the tools to counter a further rise in inflation in Switzerland.

Several attempts after a huge price increase

Proponents said six billion liters of diesel and petrol were bought in Switzerland every year. It is the most important consumer good in Switzerland. The TCS calculator is not as good as a calculator that has proven itself in Austria.

The initiative submitted in August 2022 was justified by increased fuel prices since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. In December 2022, the Grand Chamber only narrowly supported the motion – with 92 votes in favour, 91 against and 8 abstentions. The Council of States voted 32 to 9 on Thursday against the proposal of the National Council’s Committee on Economic Affairs and Taxation (WAK-N).

As early as March, the National Council had rejected and thus buried a similar initiative by the Central Council of States Pirmin Bischof (SO). (SDA)

Source:Blick