Temporary fuel price relief measures expire on Monday, prompting a rush to the pumps. Long queues formed at petrol stations across Poland on Monday as drivers rushed to fill their tanks before the government’s temporary fuel price relief expired at midnight. The heaviest problems were reported in and around Zakopane, where some stations began running out of fuel during the afternoon. By around 8 pm, the largest Orlen station in the city had only small amounts of diesel and premium unleaded petrol left, while a local BP station had run out of fuel, Poland’s state news agency PAP reported. The rush was reported across the country, with some drivers spending up to an hour in line. Fuel shortages were also reported, but only at a small number of stations. Prices to rise Tuesday Monday was the final day of the government’s Lower Fuel Prices (CPN) program, which cut VAT on petrol and diesel from 23% to 8% and imposed maximum retail prices. Stations could charge no more than 6.64 złoty (€1.55) per liter for regular unleaded Pb95 petrol, €1.72 for premium unleaded Pb98 petrol and €1.69 for diesel. From Tuesday, VAT returns to 23% and the price caps disappear. Analysts expect petrol and diesel prices to rise by around €0.14 to €0.21 per liter. The CPN scheme was first introduced in late March in response to soaring oil prices following the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. It ended in June before being temporarily brought back on August 17 for the final two weeks of the summer holidays. The Finance Ministry estimates the program has so far cost the state budget around €1.1 billion.
The rush was reported across the country, with some drivers spending up to an hour in line. (PAP/Art Service)
