Poland's fuel prices hit record highs as government weighs CPN relief

On 4 August 2026 Poland’s state oil firm Orlen lowered its wholesale prices for gasoline (Pb95) by 7 gr per litre and diesel by 8 gr, the first reduction in weeks after a month of increases. Retail prices, however, remain at historic levels, with diesel averaging 8.22 zł/l and gasoline 7.55 zł/l, prompting public pressure for relief.

The government says it will not introduce a general price cut but is considering reinstating the temporary “Ceny Paliwa Niżej” (CPN) programme for the last two weeks of August if world oil prices rise again. Finance Minister Andrzej Domański noted that the CPN, originally funded by a tax on excess fuel‑company profits, was blocked by President Karol Nawrocki and cost about 4.7 billion zł. Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka told TOK FM, “Jest to analizowane, ale dzisiaj nie ma decyzji,” adding that a return to the programme is not excluded.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he will discuss possible VAT reductions with the finance minister and warned that “Te ceny są dramatyczne.” Some retailers, such as Auchan’s Hyperoil stations, offered a limited promotion of 6.98 zł/l for Pb95 from 6‑8 August. Meanwhile, German drivers are less likely to cross the border for cheaper fuel as price differentials have narrowed since the VAT cut expired.

The debate continues as wholesale prices show a modest decline, but the government’s next move will depend on volatile Middle‑East tensions and global oil market trends.