There are ways to make fuel companies lower prices at their stations

Recently, we have repeatedly written about high fuel prices in Bolesławiec. Drivers are also expressing their dissatisfaction, sending us photos of prices in other cities along with emotional questions and comments about such a large difference in prices. Prices at stations in Bolesławiec are not identical. The difference is up to 10 groszy per litre, but their overall level is high. They are still 30–40 groszy higher than, for example, at stations in Lwówek Śląski or Złotoryja.

When asked why this is happening, PKN Orlen responds that:

...differences in fuel prices at stations in different towns are a normal phenomenon and occur throughout the country. These prices are shaped by many factors that may vary depending on the location. These include, among other things, the cost of acquiring or using the land on which the station is located, the costs of operating and maintaining the station, as well as sales potential and the market environment.

Drivers who see this difference believe that such a situation is not normal.

Are there ways to lower the overall level of fuel prices in Bolesławiec?

A temporary boycott of stations

The idea of a boycott appears in comments under articles about high fuel prices. It is suggested by readers themselves, who believe that this is the only way to bring about a price reduction in Bolesławiec. However, it would be difficult to implement and is an unlikely scenario. Why? Firstly, it would require discipline, mobilisation, solidarity and consistency in action. There is little chance of that. Secondly, Bolesławiec has an economic zone with a large number of companies. This also creates substantial demand for fuel. National road 94 and voivodeship road 297 intersect in our city, while the A4 motorway is located nearby. Many car drivers, including truck drivers, pass through the city in transit and refuel in Bolesławiec.

Increasing competition through a larger number of petrol stations

A larger number of stations could help lower fuel prices, and consequently increase competition and rivalry for customers. The fact that competition in our city weakened after the Tesco supermarket disappeared is also significant, as the Tesco petrol station, where prices were usually lower, was closed as well. The opening of another station next to the supermarket was planned on the site of the closed Tesco station. Unfortunately, nothing has happened on the site so far.

A municipal petrol station and lower prices

This scenario has been successfully implemented in several cities in Poland. For example, in Stalowa Wola – where such a station was established in 2019 at the local Municipal Transport Company. The situation in Stalowa Wola was similar to that in Bolesławiec. Fuel prices there were higher than in nearby towns. Local drivers’ dissatisfaction was growing. After the city opened the MZK station with lower fuel prices, prices at other stations in the city immediately fell.

A similar MZK station was opened in Konin:

A municipal petrol station also operates in Tarnów.

Meanwhile, the opening of a similar (municipal) station in Chełm has been announced for 16 January 2024:

The idea of municipal petrol stations has its supporters and opponents. Supporters point out that it is an effective way to lower high prices. Opponents argue that it interferes with the free market and thereby undermines it.