Poland's temporary fuel subsidy programme, Ceny Paliwa Niżej, has officially ended after its second iteration cost the state budget 495 million zloty, according to the Ministry of Finance. The scheme, which was reactivated for the second half of August, was designed to shield motorists from high pump prices, but its conclusion is now expected to feed through to higher costs at filling stations across the country.
Market analysts tracking fuel prices warn that the first days of September could bring significant increases for drivers. Forecasts suggest petrol and diesel prices could rise by anywhere from several dozen groszy to as much as 1 zloty per litre, as the removal of the state-backed discount leaves retailers to pass on wholesale costs directly to consumers. The exact scale of the increase will depend on global crude oil prices and the zloty's exchange rate against the dollar in the coming days.
The programme's second phase was introduced in mid-August as a targeted response to elevated fuel prices, which had become a politically sensitive issue amid broader concerns about the cost of living. The Ministry of Finance has confirmed the total cost of this latest round, providing transparency on the fiscal burden of the intervention. The 495 million zloty figure covers the period from the scheme's reactivation to its expiry at the end of August.
Fuel prices in Poland have been a recurring point of public debate, with previous government interventions aimed at keeping costs manageable for households and businesses. The Ceny Paliwa Niżej programme, whose name translates as Lower Fuel Prices, was first deployed as an emergency measure and later revived as price pressures persisted. Its termination now shifts the burden back to market dynamics, with analysts expecting a swift adjustment at the pump.
For motorists, the immediate outlook is less favourable. Industry observers note that the end of the subsidy removes a buffer that had kept retail prices artificially below wholesale levels. As a result, station operators are likely to align their pricing more closely with market realities, leading to the anticipated jump. Businesses reliant on road transport, which face fuel costs as a major input, are also expected to feel the impact of the change.
The Ministry of Finance has not indicated whether any further support measures are planned. The decision to let the programme lapse suggests the government is weighing fiscal constraints against consumer relief, particularly as it manages the broader budget. Analysts will be watching wholesale price movements closely to determine whether the predicted increase materialises in full or is moderated by external factors.