The end of February brings mixed economic news for Polish consumers. The main topic remains the dynamic situation on the fuel market, where further price hikes are expected from March 2nd, with diesel surpassing psychological price barriers. Simultaneously, new Eurostat data indicates a relatively low gender pay gap in Poland compared to other European Union countries, although the issue of wage inequality between women and men remains a subject of public debate and expert analysis.
Fuel Station Price Hikes
Price increases for gasoline and diesel are forecast from March 2nd, an effect of tensions in the Middle East and the condition of the złoty.
Poland Among Leaders in Pay Gap
According to Eurostat, Poland ranks 3rd in the EU in terms of the lowest difference in earnings between women and men.
Uncertainty on the WSE and Debt Market
Markets await Fitch's decision regarding Poland's credit rating amid prevailing risk-off sentiment.
The turn of February and March 2026 is becoming a period of significant challenges for Polish household budgets, as reflected in numerous market analyses. The situation at fuel stations is dynamically evolving towards further price increases. Market analysts, including experts from Reflex and e-petrol.pl, unanimously forecast that from March 2nd, drivers will have to reckon with higher amounts at the pumps. The main reason for these changes is the tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East, which is driving up crude oil prices on global markets. Diesel has already broken through a psychological barrier, and forecasts suggest a price increase for gasoline of about 4 groszy per liter and for diesel of 3 groszy. This directly impacts transportation costs and, consequently, food prices, as noted by industry media analyzing Polish shopping habits in 2025. Since the energy crisis triggered by Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2022, European fuel markets have shown heightened sensitivity to any geopolitical impulses, resulting in frequent retail price fluctuations.Parallel to transport problems, the latest data on the gender pay gap in the European Union has been published. Poland ranks third in this comparison, which may be a surprise to many. Eurostat statistics show that the wage difference between women and men in our country is one of the lowest in the Community, although experts warn against excessive optimism. Despite good statistical results, these differences are still pronounced in certain economic sectors. Only in one EU country is the situation for women formally better in this regard, positioning Poland as a regional leader in pay equality, at least in macroeconomic terms. However, this topic sparks controversy when contrasted with the real cost of living and the purchasing power of smaller households. The first regulations concerning equal pay for the same work were introduced in Europe in the Treaties of Rome in 1957, but the full implementation of these principles took decades and is still supervised by EU bodies.Financial markets are in a state of anticipation, linked to the so-called risk-off sentiment. Investors are closely monitoring Fitch's decisions regarding Poland's credit rating. Risk aversion is weakening the Polish złoty against major currencies, further complicating the situation for energy importers. Friday's session on the Warsaw Stock Exchange ended with declines in the main WIG20 index, driven by weakness in the banking sector. Although February on the WSE brought overall records, the end of the month suggests a correction and uncertainty about the direction the Warsaw market will take in March. „W przyszłym tygodniu benzyna może zdrożeć o 4 gr, a diesel o 3 gr na litrze” (Next week, gasoline may become more expensive by 4 gr, and diesel by 3 gr per liter) — Reflex Analysis