The Administrative Appeals Board’s ruling, which overrides the decision of Szczecin’s mayor, may ease the path for Octan Energy’s construction of a fuel base in the city, commenced without the necessary permits. City officials, however, are prepared to continue their opposition.
The Administrative Appeals Board annulled the mayor’s previous order to halt the proceedings regarding the issuance of building conditions for the fuel base, which is being constructed illegally near a residential area. The board determined that the mayor acted unlawfully by suspending the process. In response, city authorities have vowed to take further action to stop this unauthorized construction. Meanwhile, the investor is awaiting the issuance of building conditions.
Unauthorized Construction in Szczecin: Investor Awaits Decision
“The Administrative Appeals Board revoked the mayor’s suspension of the proceedings, citing legal violations,” announced Kacper Stukan, the attorney representing Octan Energy & V/L Service, which began its fuel base construction in Szczecin’s Podjuchy district at the end of 2025 without the necessary permits.
This decision, initially made by the mayor in April after residents’ protests and a unanimous motion from city councilors, has now been overturned. However, on Tuesday, the Szczecin City Hall issued a statement asserting that “the city will once again utilize available options to halt the issuance of building conditions for this investment.” The City Hall indicated it would pursue legal avenues aimed at maintaining the suspension in compliance with urban order and protecting the interests of the Podjuch residents.
In the meantime, the investor hopes for a favorable resolution to their situation and the issuance of building conditions. “The company expects that following the revocation of the mayor’s decision, it will finally receive the building conditions it has been waiting for nearly nine months,” Stukan stated. When asked about the possibility of relocating the fuel base to a different location suggested by local authorities, the lawyer replied, “If such a proposal were made by the city and met the project’s requirements, the company would certainly consider that scenario.”
The Szczecin public prosecutor’s office and the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection are investigating the construction of the fuel base, which comprises seven tanks with a total capacity of 160,000 cubic meters. The construction site borders a protected Natura 2000 area, and inspectors have noted that earthworks conducted along the Oder River may have caused environmental damage.
