The reduction in fuel prices is getting closer. One step left
The Senate adopted the government’s proposals to reduce fuel prices. Their fate will now be decided by the president.
Senators supported the project amending the Act on stocks of crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas and the rules of conduct in situations of threat to the state’s fuel security and disruptions on the oil market, as well as changes to the Excise Duty Act.
Reduction in fuel prices before Christmas? The president’s decision
Let us recall that on Friday morning both projects were unanimously supported by the Sejm. As the upper house of parliament did not introduce any amendments, their fate will now be decided by President Karol Nawrocki.
The package called “Fuel Prices Lower” (CPN) includes, among others: reduction of the VAT rate on fuels from 23%. up to 8 percent and a reduction of excise duty to the minimum EU levels (by PLN 29/l for petrol and PLN 28/l for diesel). Additionally, a maximum retail price of fuel will be introduced, valid for three months – until June 30, which is expected to reduce prices at stations by approximately PLN 1.20/l.
The maximum price will be set daily by the Minister of Energy based on the average wholesale prices of the five largest entities, plus the margin and VAT. The mechanism is intended to reduce speculation and increase market transparency, without interfering with wholesale prices. The National Audit Office will supervise its compliance, with fines of up to PLN 1 million for violations.
– We decided to take action, fully aware that to a decisive extent the situation on the fuel market in the world and in Poland will depend on what is happening in this war, in the Middle East. Today, at an extraordinary meeting, we will make a whole package of decisions so that, in a situation that we have no control over there, in Iran and the Middle East, we can have the maximum influence on what is possible, what is within our reach here in Poland, so that fuel prices are the lowest possible in a situation of dramatic increase in fuel prices in the world – Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during yesterday’s press conference.
– We have been preparing for many days such a scenario in which we can use the tools at the government’s disposal. We will also need statutory changes and we have taken great care to include in the prepared package, I call it CPN – Fuel Price Lower – he added.
The president’s quick signature may mean that drivers will see lower prices at gas stations next week, just before Christmas.
