After a brief lull, fuel prices in Switzerland are rising again

After a brief period of easing, fuel prices in Switzerland have risen again. According to the latest figures from the Swiss Automobile Club (TCS) released on Friday, both gasoline and diesel prices increased by five cents per liter. The average price for unleaded 95 rose by 2.4 percent since last week to 2.16 Swiss francs per liter. Unleaded 98 now costs 2.27 francs per liter, representing a 2.3 percent increase. Diesel prices also climbed, with the average rising by 2.1 percent to 2.45 francs per liter. This puts diesel just one cent below its annual high of 2.46 francs reached in mid-September. Following sharp increases in September, fuel prices had temporarily eased. Fluctuations are partly attributed to the tense situation on international fuel markets. Additionally, transport issues in Switzerland contribute to higher prices due to low water levels on the Rhine, which increase import costs. International oil prices fell slightly on Friday, with a barrel of North Sea Brent crude costing around 105 dollars in the morning. However, changes on the oil market typically take time to affect Swiss gas stations. Modern cars are transmitting large amounts of user data, including to advertising and tracking companies, according to a new study. A new study by U.S. consumer advocates at Consumer Reports shows that modern vehicles transmit vast amounts of user data. Of 21 tested vehicles from 2022 to 2025, 19 sent data via Wi-Fi to external companies. Among the recipients were well-known advertising and tracking domains. Companion apps used to connect the car with a smartphone proved even more problematic. Of 30 tested companion apps, 28 transmitted data to third parties associated with advertising and tracking. Seven of these apps even shared identification data such as vehicle identification numbers, email addresses, phone numbers, or exact locations. Connecting to a companion app doubled the average number of contacts a vehicle made with advertising and tracking firms. In some cases, up to 20 additional connections were recorded. Technology giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft were among the largest recipients of driver data. Tracking affects drivers directly in their wallets. Companies use this data not only for advertising but also to adjust insurance premiums. In the United States, some owners are already suing over this practice. Insurers and manufacturers work closely together. Industry experts described driver data as the “new oil” because of its value. Automakers defend their data-sharing practices. Manufacturers point out that users often voluntarily agree to data collection and sharing, as it is part of the terms of service. However, users can't always refuse. For example, if a Tesla owner declines data sharing, they receive a warning stating it could lead to limited functionality, serious damage, or even render the vehicle inoperable. The Tesla Model 3 and the Cybertruck (not licensed in Switzerland) were the biggest data collectors in the test. In Switzerland, new car buyers have few options. According to expert Erich Schwizer from TCS Test & Technik, purchase contracts for new cars usually include clauses allowing data transmission to the manufacturer and its network without detailing the processed data or purposes. Refusing these clauses means buyers risk losing access to offered services or possibly not getting the car at all.