Why are fuel prices rising in Poland? What is behind the sharp rise in fuel prices in 2026?
Why are you spending more and more money at the petrol station with every passing week? Do you also feel like your budget is a leaky petrol tank, with cash just slipping away? Frustrating, isn’t it? The current surge in prices at petrol stations is keeping drivers awake at night. That’s why today we’ll explain why fuel is getting more expensive, how rising fuel prices are affecting transport, and how to protect yourself against it.
What are the current fuel prices in Poland?
Let’s face it, in mid-March 2026, the situation at the petrol pumps is like a rollercoaster ride with no handrails. According to reports from Money.pl, diesel is rising in price at an alarming rate. Based on data from BM Reflex dated 17 March 2026, the average price of diesel in Poland has already reached 7.64 zlotys per litre, and in some regions exceeds 7.80 zlotys per litre.
What do the figures from mid-March look like? See for yourself:
- Pb95 petrol (E10): from 6.23 to 6.48 PLN/l.
- Pb98 petrol: from 7.04 to 7.29 PLN/l.
- Diesel (ON): from 6.85 to 7.59 PLN/l.
- Autogas (LPG): from PLN 3.03 to PLN 3.13 per litre.
Experts from Reflex Brokerage warn that we are paying an average of 65 groszy more for diesel than just a week ago. Additionally, the WNP.pl portal reports that wholesale prices at Orlen are breaking records, and this, of course, hits our wallets directly.
Is fuel in Poland the most expensive in Europe?
You have surely read comments online claiming that Poland has the highest fuel prices on the entire continent. Let’s dispel this myth. The latest report from the Polish Development Fund paints a completely different picture.
When we convert the rates to euros and add taxes, Polish fuel remains among the cheapest in the European Union.
They account for approximately 83–88% of the EU average. However, we must remember that protracted conflicts may, unfortunately, change this. That is why, in business, you should rely on verified data, not on online panic.
Why are fuel prices rising so dramatically?
Several specific factors are contributing to the rise in fuel prices. The main culprit is geopolitical tension in the Middle East. Imagine that the main street in your town is completely blocked. The Strait of Hormuz is currently such a blocked street, through which as much as 20% of the world’s oil flows every day.
As experts point out in analyses by Business Insider Polska, the conflict surrounding Iran and the drone attack on the Saudi Aramco refinery have cut Europe off from supplies of refined fuel. Our continent has very limited refining capacity. If someone cuts off our supply of the finished product, massive shortages immediately arise.
This is why diesel is currently rising in price twice as fast as petrol. There is simply a shortage of it on the European market, and demand from the transport sector is not decreasing at all. As a result, wholesale diesel prices have jumped by hundreds of zlotys per cubic metre in just a few days.
We are also paying the price for having a weak currency. Crude oil on global markets is priced in dollars. Currently, the exchange rate for this currency hovers around 3.69–3.72 PLN, which drives up our import costs. The raw material itself is not getting any cheaper either – the price of Brent crude has recently risen by over ten per cent and stands at around $101.16 per barrel. We are buying expensive raw materials with a weakened currency.
We must add local taxes and charges to this. Your price at the pump also includes excise duty, 23% VAT, a fuel levy and an emissions charge. Furthermore, in 2026, the EU’s ETS II system will come into force more strongly, extending charges for CO2 emissions. These climate changes add a further 5 to 10% to the bill.
How do high fuel prices affect the transport industry?
Do you know what it’s like to run a transport company? Fuel accounts for 30 to 40% of your total operating costs. Think of it this way: if the price of diesel rises by one zloty, you lose exactly one zloty for every kilometre travelled. Just a week ago, travelling 100 kilometres by lorry cost around 140 zlotys, and today it costs around 190 zlotys.
How can you protect yourself against rising fuel costs in transport?
First and foremost, support industry initiatives. The Transport and Logistics Poland (TLP) organisation is actively calling on the government to support transport operators. Among other things, they are demanding a reduction in VAT. However, before politicians change anything, you must ensure your own survival.
Eliminate losses through technology. Managing fuel costs in freight forwarding in times of soaring prices requires the use of precise telematics. If you plan your routes perfectly, you will avoid empty runs, which are now literally eating into your capital.
Also pay attention to your fleet. There is growing pressure on the market to optimise fleets and switch to electric or hybrid vehicles. Although such powertrains do not yet fully save budgets at this stage, they may prove beneficial in the long term.
The safest option, however, is working with a strong logistics partner. If you opt for freight forwarding services, professionals will take care of the difficult negotiations with carriers and route optimisation. You focus on growing your business, and we ensure your goods reach their destination without breaking the company’s piggy bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about fuel prices in Poland
When will fuel prices at petrol stations fall?
As long as tensions in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persist, markets will remain highly volatile. The situation is exacerbated by the introduction of CO2 charges and the weakening of the Polish zloty.
Why is diesel rising in price much faster than petrol?
This is due to diesel shortages in Europe and massive demand from the transport sector.
What are the forecasts for autogas (LPG) prices?
According to forecasts, we will pay between 3.14 and 3.25 PLN per litre of LPG. Compared to diesel, this remains a fairly stable option.
Where can you find reliable information on fuel prices?
To avoid misinformation, read the reports on e-petrol.pl. Also follow the official announcements from Reflex Brokerage.
How can you plan safe transport despite price rises?
Higher freight rates are our shared, everyday reality. However, you can wisely protect your business from these shocks. Simply entrust your cargo to professionals who analyse the market on an ongoing basis. Contact ADECON and optimise your transport costs.