Poland Enforces Maximum Fuel Price Caps Under Third CPN Program Phase
Government mandates retail fuel price ceilings to mitigate rising costs for drivers nationwide.
1New Fuel Price Mandates
The Ministry of Energy has set specific maximum retail prices for fuel effective Wednesday and Thursday. Gasoline 95 is capped at 6.10 PLN, gasoline 98 at 6.70 PLN, and diesel at 7.66 PLN per liter. These regulations are part of the third phase of the Ceny Paliwa Niżej (CPN) support package.
2Recent Price Fluctuations
Compared to Tuesday, the price cap for gasoline 95 increased by six groszy, while gasoline 98 rose by three groszy. Conversely, the diesel cap decreased by two groszy. These adjustments reflect the government's ongoing efforts to stabilize fuel costs at stations across the country through the mandated maximum price mechanism.
3Legislative Framework Origins
The CPN mechanism operates under the law regarding the taxation of extraordinary profits of fuel companies. Although the President signed the legislation on October 1, he simultaneously referred it to the Constitutional Tribunal for subsequent review. This legal framework enables temporary reductions in excise duties and VAT on liquid fuels.
4Funding and Tax Structure
The government plans to fund this five billion PLN support package through a new levy on fuel corporations. A 60-percent tax on excess profits will apply from March 2026 to March 2027. Taxable income is defined as revenue exceeding historical margins from 2025, plus a 20-percent buffer for fuel producers.
5Historical Context of CPN
The CPN program was first introduced in late March as a response to rising oil prices linked to the conflict involving the USA, Israel, and Iran. A second phase followed during the summer, specifically from August 17 to August 31, though that iteration did not include the temporary excise duty reductions.
6Compliance and Enforcement
Fuel stations across Poland are strictly prohibited from selling gasoline or diesel above the government-mandated price ceilings. Failure to adhere to these maximum limits carries significant financial risks for operators, with potential penalties reaching up to one million PLN per violation. Authorities continue to monitor station pricing to ensure full compliance.
7Public and Economic Impact
Public sentiment remains focused on fuel affordability, with surveys suggesting that many citizens prioritize lower pump prices over reducing the national budget deficit. The government intends for these measures to remain in effect until the end of 2026, aiming to provide sustained relief for drivers facing volatile energy market conditions.
8Future Regulatory Outlook
The Ministry of Energy will continue to issue periodic announcements regarding fuel price caps. The next official notice is scheduled for publication on November 12, which will establish the maximum prices applicable for Friday. These ongoing updates serve as the primary tool for the government to manage retail fuel market stability.