December fuel price reductions from PLN 6 to PLN 5.75 per litre, linked to a reduction in the excise duty, are now only a memory. Fuel stations were required to inform drivers where the lower prices came from.
In the new year, fuel prices began rising again. A litre of 95-octane petrol or standard diesel at Bolesławiec fuel stations once again costs almost PLN 6 per litre. On Saturday, 29 January, both 95-octane petrol and diesel cost PLN 5.99 per litre at the Shell station in Bolesławiec. These fuels could be bought for a few groszy less at Lotos and PKN Orlen stations.
Why has fuel become more expensive again?
The increase is probably influenced by rising crude oil prices on global exchanges. From 31 December 2021 to 28 January 2022, the price of a barrel of crude oil rose by 11 dollars. The dollar also became more expensive. On Friday, 28 January, the US currency was valued at PLN 4.11. As recently as 12 January, the dollar exchange rate was PLN 3.95. All this translates into higher wholesale fuel prices and, ultimately, higher prices at stations.
Fuel will temporarily become cheaper again in February
This will happen after the reduction of VAT on fuel, scheduled for 1 February. A litre of petrol or diesel should cost approximately PLN 5.30 per litre.
Why can lower prices at fuel stations be expected from 1 February?
As we read on the bankier.pl website:
The announced reduction in VAT rates on food, fuel and energy, which has been discussed for several weeks, is to enter into force on that day. The legislation provides for reducing the VAT rate on fuel from 23% to 8% for the period from 1 February to 31 July 2022. PKN Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek publicly promised that after the tax reduction, Pb95 and diesel prices would fall to around PLN 5.20 per litre.
However, this may prove impossible. Assuming that current wholesale rates remain unchanged in the following week as well—which is a rather unlikely assumption—the average price of Pb95 petrol may fall to approximately PLN 5.30–5.40, depending on the response of station operators. Diesel, however, is unlikely to cost less than PLN 5.40–5.50 after the VAT reduction.
