Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced government measures to mitigate rising fuel costs amid international conflicts and market volatility on Saturday.
Tusk Links Global Conflicts to Domestic Fuel Prices
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland is experiencing high costs due to the conflicts involving Israel, the USA, Iran, and Russia’s war with Ukraine, impacting not only fuel stations but the broader economy.
He emphasized that the government’s response includes the SAFE and CPN packages, alongside national unity regarding security concerns.
New Legislation Aims to Lower Fuel Costs
Two laws designed to lower fuel prices were published in the Journal of Laws on Saturday, taking effect on Sunday. These laws will limit price increases through reduced excise duties and a maximum price cap.
The government approved the draft legislation on Thursday during an emergency session, with Parliament adopting it on Friday and the President signing it the same day.
SAFE and CPN as Government’s Response
Tusk reiterated on X (formerly Twitter) that “everyone is paying a high price for the wars of Israel and the USA with Iran and Russia with Ukraine.” He affirmed that the government’s “response is tough but responsible decisions (SAFE, CPN) and national unity around security issues.”
CPN Package Details
The CPN package, or “Lower Fuel Prices,” aims to reduce fuel costs by lowering excise duties, decreasing the VAT rate, and implementing a maximum price.
Energy Minister Highlights Global Market Influence
Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka noted on X that fuel prices are dependent on the global market, stating that 40% of diesel in Poland is imported and has risen over 10% in the last two days, while Orlen’s wholesale prices increased by less than 5%.
He added that wholesale fuel prices are currently over 200 zł lower than a week ago, dismissing claims of a rapid price increase as “clickbait.” He acknowledged Poland’s vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
According to the Minister, the CPN package will ensure retail prices are approximately 20% lower than they would be under standard tax conditions.
Orlen Increases Wholesale Prices
Orlen raised the wholesale price of Ekodiesel by 171 zł per cubic meter and Eurosuper 95 gasoline by 103 zł per cubic meter on Saturday.
As of Saturday, Ekodiesel costs 7,041 zł per cubic meter, up from 6,870 zł on Friday, while Eurosuper 95 costs 5,714 zł per cubic meter, up from 5,611 zł.
Four Weeks Since Attacks on Iran
Saturday marked four weeks since the attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran, which triggered increases in global oil and fuel prices due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure.
Orlen Supports New Regulations
Orlen stated that the CPN package will allow them to offer customers the “lowest possible prices during the largest global fuel crisis in history.”
The company believes the package ensures price transparency for consumers while maintaining the proper functioning of the wholesale market and national fuel security.
Analysts Predict Potential Price Drops
Analysts at Reflex predict that the average price of 95-octane gasoline could fall by 1.18 zł per liter and diesel by 1.30 zł per liter in the week of March 30th to April 3rd.
Reflex anticipates lower fuel prices at stations no earlier than March 31st.
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