Poland’s Energy Minister announced that fuel price reductions, following new legislation capping prices, will be visible at stations as early as Tuesday.
Fuel Price Caps to Take Effect Tuesday
Changes at gas stations reflecting the newly published law on maximum fuel prices will be visible as early as Tuesday, according to Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka. Technical adjustments to fiscal cash registers are among the factors influencing the timeline.
Two laws aimed at lowering fuel prices were published in the Journal of Laws on Saturday. The new regulations will limit price increases through reduced excise duties and the introduction of a maximum price.
Minister Confirms Price Reduction Timeline
Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka stated that, according to the law, the announcement regarding maximum fuel prices will be published as soon as Monday, with price changes at stations occurring no earlier than Tuesday.
The Minister emphasized that administrative, legislative, and technical issues, such as system and fiscal cash register adjustments, will affect when prices actually change.
Daily Publication of Maximum Fuel Prices
The Ministry of Energy will publish daily maximum fuel price rates, as stipulated by the regulations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Suppliers selling fuel above the maximum price will face sanctions. Stations are also permitted to offer prices lower than those set by the Ministry.
Duration of Price Caps and Financial Impact
The duration of the maximum fuel prices will be regulated by a decree from the Ministry of Finance. The excise duty reduction on fuels is estimated to cost the budget 700 million PLN per month, while the VAT reduction is estimated at 900 million PLN per month.
Price Calculation and Reporting Requirements
The law introduces a mechanism for calculating the maximum fuel price, based on the average wholesale price on the domestic market, plus excise duty, fuel surcharge, a sales margin of 0.30 PLN per liter, and VAT. Key market players will be required to provide daily information to the Ministry of Energy for ongoing rate updates.
Projected Price Drops
Analysts at the Reflex bureau predict that the average price of 95-octane unleaded gasoline could fall by 1.18 PLN per liter, and diesel fuel by 1.30 PLN per liter, in the coming week, from March 30th to April 3rd.
The maximum price per liter of fuel will be published by the Minister of Energy in the form of an official announcement and will take effect the day after publication. If announced before non-working days and holidays, the rate will be valid until the next working day.
The amendment to the excise tax law allows for a temporary reduction in excise rates on fuels by regulation until June 30th, applicable only to diesel and gasoline.
