As of July 1, the Polish government ended the “CPN package”, leading to a swift increase in fuel prices. This change raised concerns among local fuel retailers, particularly those in border areas reliant on German customers. However, it appears that these fears were unfounded, as German drivers continue to visit Polish stations.
The tiny village of Lubieszyn, which has a population of fewer than 100, surprisingly boasts five popular fuel stations. This is largely due to its proximity to the German border, which has historically drawn many German motorists seeking cheaper fuel.
German Drivers Continue to Fuel Up in Poland
There were concerns that the end of the “CPN” package would deter German drivers from crossing the border for fuel. Just before July, there was a noticeable influx of customers eager to fill up before the price hikes took effect. However, reports indicate that traffic has returned to normal, with German drivers once again frequenting Polish stations, particularly in Lubieszyn.
Fuel prices have indeed surged since July 1, with the VAT on fuel rising to 23% from 8%. Currently, a liter of diesel in Poland costs nearly 7 PLN, while gasoline averages around 6.79 PLN per liter. This represents a significant increase, with the price of 95 octane gasoline rising by nearly 90 groszy in just one week.
Local entrepreneurs have expressed concerns about whether Germans would still find it worthwhile to travel over the border for fuel. Given that few Poles refill their tanks in Lubieszyn, local businesses heavily depend on the influx of German customers. Fortunately, queues of cars with German license plates have returned, with many drivers filling canisters for extra fuel. Stations are accommodating by allowing payments in euros and often displaying prices in that currency.
Moreover, Polish stations have benefited from the rise in fuel prices not just domestically but also in Germany. The German government similarly ended special tax reductions on fuel at the end of June. Currently, a liter of gasoline in Germany costs approximately 2.09 euros, while diesel costs about 1.96 euros per liter. Before the tax reduction was lifted, these prices were around 1.90 euros for gasoline and 1.77 euros for diesel.
German drivers have indicated that making the trip to Poland for fuel remains economically viable. In fact, in Polish currency, the price of gasoline in Germany now stands at nearly 9 PLN per liter, and diesel is over 8.40 PLN per liter. One German driver noted that while earnings in Germany may be similar to those in Poland, the price differences are significant enough for them to keep filling up in Poland.
Given the ongoing price disparities and the German government’s slower response to fuel price issues, Polish stations are likely to remain a popular destination for German motorists.
— Gasoline may be more expensive in Germany now, but as long as the price gap persists, we’ll continue to see German fuel canisters in Poland, remarked a staff member at a station in Lubieszyn.
