ORLEN Unipetrol disputes new Czech refinery margin tax

The Czech government has approved an extraordinary sectoral tax targeting the refinery industry for the years 2026 and 2027. The tax is set at 50 percent of the increase in gross refining margins compared to 2025 levels. The Ministry of Finance estimates this measure could generate approximately 5.5 billion CZK in 2026 alone.

ORLEN Unipetrol, the sole company affected by this measure, has raised serious concerns regarding the tax's legality and economic impact. CEO Mariusz Wnuk warned that the tax could violate the principle of legal certainty and the prohibition of retroactivity, as the tax is calculated based on economic results determined at the end of the year after investment and operational decisions have already been made.

The company further cautioned that the tax could jeopardize its ability to invest in modernization and the transition to low-emission technologies. This, in turn, may impact the stability of fuel supplies and the overall energy security of the Czech Republic during a period of geopolitical tension.