Fueling is cheaper in Poland thanks to fuel price caps and tax cuts

In Poland, refueling has become significantly cheaper after the fuel price cap was introduced. As the Energy Ministry announced, the maximum price for the weekend and Monday is the equivalent of 1.54 euros per liter of regular gasoline, 1.73 euros for super and 1.80 euros for diesel. Compared to the average prices at gas stations on Friday morning, this was a saving for drivers of up to 32 cents per liter, depending on the type of fuel.

In addition to the fuel price brake - which in Poland is linked to an excess profits tax for oil companies - the government reduced the VAT on fuel from 23 to 8 percent and reduced the energy tax. The Ministry of Energy sets the maximum prices at gas stations every day. The regulation should apply until the end of the year.

In this country, too, an excess profits tax for mineral oil companies has been discussed for months. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) reject it, while the coalition partner SPD is in favor of introducing the tax.

However, many economists are critical of the fuel discount that has been in effect in Germany since October 1st. Critics point out, among other things, that it is inaccurate, dampens the incentive to save fuel and does not fully resonate with consumers. The petroleum industry contradicts the latter. Proponents point out, among other things, that there is currently no better way to relieve the burden on drivers.