Impact of war seeps into everyday life

Roman Abramovich's private plane (c) Juergen Lehle

The war in Ukraine is having visible effects in and around the region.

Basel airport is now home to several stranded private jets owned by Russian oligarchs. 

Reports suggest there are between 6 and 10 planes at the airport, unable to move as Swiss airspace is closed to Russian aircraft. 

The EuroAirport in Basel has always been a favorite for private jets as it specializes in servicing them. 

Among the jets is ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s Boeing 767.

Also feeling the pinch are the top end ski resorts. In France, Courchevel is much quieter than normal as many of its wealthy Russian clients are now staying away. The resort was always popular with the super-rich as it has its own airfield. 

But the rest of us will certainly not be rich as the high cost of oil moves to the forecourts. Yesterday many filling stations hiked their prices by 25 centimes a litre as the price of oil soars.

But a bit of relief for Ukrainian refugees and those helping them - any vehicle carrying refugees or aid for Ukraine will not need an autoroute vignette. 

The Federal Customs Office announced the rule change yesterday. It has the power to make exemptions in humanitarian cases – it will stay in place until the end of June. 

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