According to a report by the Polish Press Agency (PAP) on June 15, the government anticipates that tensions stemming from the Middle East conflict, and their subsequent effects on global oil markets, will diminish, paving the way for more stable fuel prices. Motyka noted that the price caps have already cost the national budget more than €1 billion since their introduction. The measure is the final step of the “Lower Fuel Prices” package, which also included temporary tax relief for households and businesses.
The price regulation mechanism, which began operating in late March 2026, sets daily maximum prices for A-95 and A-98 petrol and diesel. The caps are calculated using a formula based on average wholesale fuel prices, taxes, a fuel surcharge, and a fixed retail margin of 0.3 zloty per litre. Retailers found selling above the established limits face fines of up to 1 million zloty (approximately €233,000).
The regulatory package was introduced in response to disruptions in global oil supplies following the outbreak of armed conflict involving Iran. In addition to the price caps, the government reduced the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel from 23% to 8% and cut excise duties to the minimum levels permitted under European Union regulations. These tax measures were initially set to expire at the end of April but were extended through June 2026, with the price caps now scheduled to conclude in August.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the government had maintained “the cheapest fuels in Europe” throughout the crisis but emphasized that the support measures were not intended to be permanent. “We will be finalizing this project this summer,” Tusk said, signaling a return to market-determined pricing as geopolitical risks recede. The energy ministry continues to announce daily price limits until the final day of the August period, with adjustments reflecting changes in wholesale costs and tax liabilities.
