Poland raises gasoline price ceiling to PLN 8.59 per litre

Poland fuel price cap gasoline price increase PKN Orlen margin impact inflation pressure crude price surge

On 5 May 2024 the Polish Ministry of Energy set a new maximum retail price for 95‑octane gasoline at PLN 8.59 per litre, a 1.5 % rise from the previous PLN 8.46 cap. The ceiling for diesel (olej napędowy) remains unchanged at PLN 7.59 per litre.

The increase mirrors higher international crude prices – Brent crude trading around $132.50 a barrel – and supply‑risk concerns tied to Red Sea disruptions. Poland’s €2.3 billion annual fuel import bill is projected to grow by roughly €110 million.

Large domestic refiners are expected to feel the impact. PKN Orlen could see its refining EBITDA margin fall by 0.5‑0.8 percentage points, amounting to an €80 million hit in Q2, while Lotos anticipates €45 million higher logistics costs. Fuel makes up about 12 % of Poland’s consumer‑price index, prompting the National Bank of Poland to weigh a potential rate‑rise to curb inflation.