Finance
Poland Will Continue Capping Fuel Prices as Long as Needed, Says Minister
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 17, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 17, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleQuick Summary
Poland pledges to maintain fuel price caps until wholesale costs fall sustainably. Introduced last month, the ‘Ceny Paliwa Niżej’ package slashes VAT and excise taxes, costing the budget an estimated 1.5–1.6 billion zlotys monthly.
Poland to Sustain Fuel Price Cap as Global Oil Disruptions Continue
Poland's Response to Global Oil Market Instability
Government Measures to Cap Fuel Prices
WARSAW, April 17 (Reuters) - Poland will keep measures capping fuel prices in place for as long as needed and will start phasing them out gradually only when wholesale prices start falling steadily, Polish Energy Minister Milosz Motyka said on Friday.
Poland announced late last month that it was cutting taxes on fuel and capping prices at the pump to mitigate the effects of the war in the Middle East. It estimated that the measures would reduce budget revenue by 1.6 billion zlotys per month.
Minister's Statement on Fuel Price Cap Duration
"We have the lowest prices in Europe and guaranteed security of supply, but we are cautious about the risks and predictions about conflict in the Middle East. These mechanisms will remain in place as long as needed," Motyka said.
He added that the measures would be abolished gradually.
Impact of Middle East Conflict on Oil Supply
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has created the largest-ever disruption to global oil and gas supplies due to Iran's blocking of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
European Airlines and Jet Fuel Concerns
European airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks. Polish deputy energy minister Wojciech Wrochna said Poland has not released any jet fuel from reserves so far.
Poland's Jet Fuel Security
"There is no risk of a shortage of jet fuel, but the situation in Europe is difficult, and the international situation will show what will happen next," Motyka said, adding that jet supplies were secured for the coming weeks.
(Reporting by Marek Strzelecki; Writing by Anna Koper; Editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Key Takeaways
- •Poland’s Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka confirmed on April 17 that fuel price caps will stay in place until wholesale prices decline steadily, with a gradual rollback planned thereafter.
- •The government’s ‘CPN’ intervention, launched March 31, includes daily maximum retail prices (6.16 PLN for 95‑octane gasoline, 6.76 PLN for 98‑octane, 7.60 PLN for diesel), VAT cut to 8%, and excise duty cuts to EU minimums, cutting household pump prices by around 1.2 zloty per liter.
- •Tax relief measures—VAT and excise reductions—are projected to cost the state roughly 1.5–1.6 billion PLN per month.
- •Poland’s diversified energy infrastructure—including LNG terminals, Baltic Pipe, and gas-fired power capacity—underpins supply security, even amid Middle East tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poland will continue capping fuel prices as long as needed, says minister
1Why is Poland capping fuel prices?
Poland is capping fuel prices and cutting taxes to mitigate the effects of the Middle East conflict on global oil supplies and domestic fuel costs.
2How long will Poland maintain the fuel price cap?
According to the energy minister, the cap will remain as long as needed and will be phased out only when wholesale prices consistently fall.
3What impact does the policy have on Poland’s budget?
The government estimates the fuel price cap and related measures will reduce budget revenue by 1.6 billion zlotys per month.
4Is there a risk of jet fuel shortages in Poland?
Poland's deputy energy minister stated there is currently no risk of jet fuel shortages, and supplies are secured for the coming weeks.
5What is causing global disruptions to oil and gas supplies?
The disruption is primarily due to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, leading to Iran blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.