Poland raises weekend fuel price caps as CPN package nears expiry
Maximum fuel prices in Poland increased for the weekend of 13–15 June, with petrol 95 capping at 6.04 zł per litre, while the government's 'Lower Fuel Prices' (CPN) package faces a Monday deadline.
Weekend price rise
From Saturday to Monday, Polish filling stations must not charge more than 6.04 zł per litre of 95-octane petrol, 6.58 zł for 98-octane, and 6.40 zł for diesel, according to a Friday announcement by Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka. The new caps are 6 groszy higher for 95-octane and 3 groszy higher for the other two fuels compared with Friday’s limits of 5.98 zł, 6.55 zł and 6.37 zł respectively.
- Pb95 31/03
- 6.16 zł/l
- Pb95 12/06
- 5.98 zł/l
- Pb95 13-15/06
- 6.04 zł/l
- Pb98 31/03
- 6.76 zł/l
- Pb98 12/06
- 6.55 zł/l
- Pb98 13-15/06
- 6.58 zł/l
- ON 31/03
- 7.6 zł/l
- ON 12/06
- 6.37 zł/l
- ON 13-15/06
- 6.4 zł/l
For context, when the cap system began on 31 March, diesel hit 7.60 zł, 98-octane 6.76 zł and 95-octane 6.16 zł. The next price notice will be published on Monday and will set the limits for Tuesday.
The CPN package and its uncertain future
The maximum-price regime is part of the broader “Ceny Paliwa Niżej” (CPN) package introduced at the end of March after the US and Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February sent global crude and fuel prices soaring. The package cut VAT on fuel from 23% to 8% and reduced excise by 29 groszy per litre of petrol and 28 groszy per litre of diesel – the lowest levels allowed by EU rules. Both tax breaks and the price caps are set to expire on 15 June.
Whether the CPN programme continues beyond that date remains unresolved. Motyka said on Thursday that the energy, state assets and finance ministries were still analysing the situation.
At the end of this week we will make a decision. Both options are on the table. The recommendation will depend on what happens in the coming hours on the markets.
Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański had earlier signalled that the costly programme would be extended in two-week blocks only if necessary.
From crisis to cap
- USA and Israel attack Iran; global oil and fuel prices surge
- Government launches CPN package: VAT cut to 8%, excise reduced, maximum price system begins
- Weekend price caps announced, higher than Friday; Motyka says decision on extension pending
- CPN tax cuts and price caps set to expire
The attack on Iran rattled oil markets, pushing retail fuel prices sharply higher across Europe. Poland responded within weeks with the CPN shield. The maximum prices are set by formula: the national average wholesale price plus excise, a fuel fee, a retail margin of 0.30 zł per litre, and VAT. Selling above the cap risks a fine of up to 1 million zł, with checks carried out by the National Revenue Administration (KAS).
Market signals and next week
Analysts at e-petrol forecast that, if the CPN package stays in place, 95-octane could trade between 5.84 and 5.97 zł per litre in the week of 15–21 June, while 98-octane may range from 6.37 to 6.51 zł and diesel from 6.21 to 6.34 zł. Autogas is expected to cost 3.42–3.51 zł per litre, remaining the cheapest option.
Meanwhile, the portal’s experts noted that crude and finished fuel prices have been falling on signals of a possible breakthrough in peace talks over the Iran conflict, which could reinforce a deeper price correction.
