Poland’s government approved a bill Thursday introducing maximum prices for gasoline and diesel fuel, with fines up to 1 million złoty for violations.
Fuel Price Caps Approved
The proposed legislation introduces official maximum prices for gasoline and diesel fuel. Violators of the new regulations face financial consequences, including fines of up to 1 million złoty.
Legislative Framework
The bill concerns reserves of crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas, as well as procedures in situations threatening the country’s fuel security and disruptions in the oil market, and the National Tax Administration.
Government Response to Instability
The proposed regulations are a response to geopolitical instability and sharp increases in raw material costs, aiming to protect the economy from inflation.
Price Calculation Mechanism
The project outlines a precise mechanism for calculating price limits. The maximum fuel price will be determined by a formula including the average wholesale price of fuel on the domestic market, plus excise duty, fuel fee, a sales margin of 0.30 złoty per liter, and VAT.
Ministerial Authority and Urgent Implementation
The Minister of Energy will set the maximum fuel prices. New regulations require key market players to provide daily information to the Ministry of Energy for current rate updates. The regulations will take effect immediately upon announcement to ensure the country’s fuel security.
Publication and Effective Date
The maximum price will be announced by the Minister of Energy in an official notice and will take effect the day after publication. If announced before non-working days, the rate will be valid until the next working day.
Preventing Unfair Market Practices
The justification emphasizes that introducing a maximum price will prevent unfair market practices, including increasing margins by sellers when taxes are reduced, and ensure that fiscal measures are reflected in consumer prices.
Compliance with EU Law
The bill’s authors emphasize that the new regulations serve to ensure the country’s fuel security and economic stability, and are consistent with European Union law, not requiring notification to the European Commission.
Government Approval
The bill was adopted by the government at a special session Thursday evening.
