Gasoline and diesel prices literally exploded in the spring and early summer of 2022. For frequent drivers and transport companies, but also for every “ordinary” driver who drives an internal combustion engine, record high fuel prices meant a burden on the wallet. Not infrequently, a hundred notes were no longer enough for a full tank of fuel.
A similar development last occurred in 2008, when the maximum volume of oil production possible with known extraction techniques in many regions was exceeded and the raw material was in danger of becoming scarce. However, the gloomy predictions of that period did not come true due to new production technologies such as fracking.
Fuel prices went crazy again in 2022 for different reasons than 15 years ago. The corona epidemic, the global supply crisis, low water levels in rivers and, most recently, the war in Ukraine have driven prices up steadily. TCS has researched fuel price statistics and has uncovered surprising things. Here are – from the driver’s point of view – the unsatisfactory records for the 2022 fuel year.
highest price
In 2022, the highest fuel prices ever recorded were recorded. From 16 to 20 June, the average price of unleaded 95 was 2.31 francs and diesel was 2.40 francs. Also in June, the previous record in 2008 was an average of 1.99 francs for the unleaded 95 and 2.27 francs for the diesel.
Over 2 francs nationwide
For the first time in Switzerland, you had to pay more than 2 francs for a liter of unleaded 95 gasoline at all gas stations in our country (except for a few duty-free gas stations). Although many gas stations charged more than 2 francs per liter from the previous maximum price in 2008, many gas stations deliberately stayed below the “magic” limit of 2 francs.
highest difference
This year, we recorded the highest price difference between gasoline and diesel in Switzerland. From October 27 to November 1, diesel was 37 centimeters more expensive than gasoline. The difference is currently between 25 and 30 inches. You can read why this is so here.
Most fluctuations
2022 was also the year in which the most price changes were experienced in fuel pumps. Only 47 price changes were recorded from January to November. In 2008, the previous record of fuel oil, 42 price changes took place in the same period.
The strongest climb
At the beginning of March, with four hikes in eight days, 34 centimetres per liter for gasoline and 41 centimetres per liter for diesel oil. The strongest surcharge was on March 9, 2022 – at that time the price increased by 20 centimeters. Two price cuts followed in the next six days: the prices of both fuels fell by 19 centimeters and rose 8 centimeters per liter a week later.