Why is petrol cheaper in Poland than Germany?

Poland has lower fuel excise duty than Germany. Poland's akcyza (excise) on petrol is approximately PLN 1,540/1,000l (~€0.35/l), compared to Germany's Energiesteuer of €0.6545/l — a structural gap of around €0.30/l before VAT. Poland also applies a 23% standard VAT rate (same as Germany's 19% net is broadly similar in absolute terms). Combined, Poland's petrol pump price is approximately €0.30–0.40/l lower than Germany's. This gap creates significant cross-border fuel tourism, particularly in border towns like Słubice (opposite Frankfurt an der Oder), Zgorzelec (opposite Görlitz), and border areas with the Czech Republic.

What is the petrol price in Poland in 2026?

In 2026, Poland's average petrol (Pb95) price is approximately PLN 5.80–6.40/litre (~€1.32–1.46/l at PLN 4.35/EUR). Diesel (ON) is approximately PLN 5.70–6.20/litre (~€1.31–1.43/l). Poland is consistently among the cheapest EU countries for fuel. The PLN/EUR exchange rate is a significant variable — a weaker zloty raises the EUR-equivalent price. The Orlen network (PKN Orlen, now integrated with Lotos and PGNiG) dominates Polish fuel retail.

Did Poland cut fuel taxes in 2022?

Yes. In February 2022, the Polish government implemented an 'Anti-Inflation Shield' that included reducing VAT on petrol and diesel from 23% to 8% and suspending the fuel surcharge (opłata paliwowa). This temporary measure significantly cut Polish pump prices at the height of the Russia-Ukraine crude price spike — at the peak in mid-2022, Polish prices were among the lowest in the EU in EUR terms. The 8% VAT rate on fuel was maintained through the end of 2022 and partially into 2023, when it was gradually restored to 23%. By 2026, the standard excise and VAT structure is fully restored, though Poland's structurally lower excise versus Western Europe remains.

Poland Fuel Prices 2026: Excise, VAT Cuts & Eastern Europe Price Advantage

Published 1 June 2026 · Updated 16 October 2026

Poland is one of the EU's cheapest countries for fuel — a structural consequence of lower excise duties than Western European neighbours, combined with a competitive domestic retail market dominated by the PKN Orlen group. In 2026, Polish petrol averages approximately €1.32–1.46/litre, making it roughly 30–40 ct/l cheaper than the Netherlands and 20–30 ct/l cheaper than Germany — a gap large enough to drive significant cross-border fuel purchasing behaviour.

For live Polish and EU fuel prices, use the fuel price explorer. For the broader European context, see our Europe fuel prices 2026 and Europe fuel price comparison guide.

Poland pump prices in 2026

Fuel	PLN/litre (avg 2026)	EUR/litre (approx.)	Notes
Pb95 (regular petrol)	~5.80–6.40	~1.32–1.46	Main volume grade
Pb98 (premium petrol)	~6.40–7.00	~1.47–1.61	Premium grade
ON (diesel)	~5.70–6.20	~1.31–1.43	Road diesel
LPG (autogas)	~3.00–3.40	~0.69–0.78	Poland has one of Europe's largest LPG vehicle fleets

Poland has one of Europe's largest LPG (autogas) markets — approximately 2.5–3 million LPG-fuelled vehicles, reflecting the country's strong LPG price advantage and the tradition of LPG conversion kits for older petrol cars. For LPG market context, see our LPG autogas guide.

Poland's fuel tax structure

Component	Pb95 petrol (PLN/l)	Diesel (PLN/l)
Wholesale (crude + refining)	~2.30	~2.35
Akcyza (excise duty)	~1.54	~1.26
Opłata paliwowa (fuel surcharge)	~0.14	~0.17
Retail margin + distribution	~0.25	~0.25
VAT (23%)	~0.97	~0.93
Total pump price	~PLN 5.20–6.40	~PLN 5.00–6.20

Poland's akcyza on petrol (~€0.35/l) is structurally lower than Germany's Energiesteuer (€0.6545/l) or France's TICPE (~€0.682/l). This ~€0.30/l excise gap is the primary driver of Poland's cheaper prices versus Western Europe, and it represents a deliberate policy choice rather than any logistical advantage.

For how excise duties across Europe compare, see our guide to highest fuel tax countries and our excise duty glossary entry.

The 2022 Anti-Inflation Shield

Poland's government implemented an aggressive fuel tax cut in early 2022 as Russian invasion pushed crude prices to $100–120/barrel:

VAT on petrol and diesel reduced from 23% to 8% (February–July 2022, extended in stages)
Opłata paliwowa (fuel surcharge) suspended
At the peak, Polish pump prices were among the lowest in the EU in EUR terms despite the currency being weaker than the euro
The cost to the state budget was approximately PLN 10–15 billion in foregone revenue
VAT was gradually restored through 2023; by early 2024 standard rates applied

For the European context of 2022 fuel subsidy measures, see our Europe fuel prices 2026 and France fuel prices 2026 (France also applied a temporary rebate).

Cross-border fuel tourism

The price gap between Poland and Germany creates one of Europe's most active cross-border fuel tourism corridors. Key border points:

Słubice (Poland) / Frankfurt an der Oder (Germany): Dozens of petrol stations in Słubice cater almost exclusively to German customers; some are visible from the German side of the Oder bridge
Zgorzelec / Görlitz: Similar pattern on the Lusatian Neisse border crossing
Czech Republic border: Czech Republic has higher excise than Poland; Polish border towns also attract Czech drivers in some areas
Ukrainian border: Since 2022, Polish border fuel has also been important for cross-border humanitarian and commercial logistics

Poland vs EU fuel price comparison (2026)

Country	Petrol (approx. EUR/l, 2026)	vs Poland
Netherlands	~2.07	Poland ~65 ct/l cheaper
Germany	~1.78	Poland ~36 ct/l cheaper
France	~1.77	Poland ~35 ct/l cheaper
Italy	~1.76	Poland ~34 ct/l cheaper
Portugal	~1.72	Poland ~30 ct/l cheaper
Spain	~1.60	Poland ~18 ct/l cheaper
Poland	~1.38–1.42	—
Hungary	~1.35–1.45	Near parity
Romania	~1.30–1.40	Near parity

Frequently asked questions

Why is petrol cheaper in Poland than Germany? Poland's akcyza (excise duty) on petrol is ~€0.35/l versus Germany's Energiesteuer of €0.6545/l — a structural gap of ~€0.30/l. This excise difference, not logistics or refining cost, is the primary reason Polish pump prices are 30–40 ct/l cheaper than Germany's. Cross-border fuel tourism is substantial, with Polish border towns serving large numbers of German customers.: Poland's akcyza (excise duty) on petrol is ~€0.35/l versus Germany's Energiesteuer of €0.6545/l — a structural gap of ~€0.30/l. This excise difference, not logistics or refining cost, is the primary reason Polish pump prices are 30–40 ct/l cheaper than Germany's. Cross-border fuel tourism is substantial, with Polish border towns serving large numbers of German customers.
What is the petrol price in Poland in 2026? Poland's Pb95 petrol averages approximately PLN 5.80–6.40/litre (~€1.32–1.46/l) in 2026, making it one of the EU's cheapest. Diesel (ON) is approximately PLN 5.70–6.20/l. LPG (autogas) at ~PLN 3.00–3.40/l makes Poland attractive for the large LPG vehicle fleet.: Poland's Pb95 petrol averages approximately PLN 5.80–6.40/litre (~€1.32–1.46/l) in 2026, making it one of the EU's cheapest. Diesel (ON) is approximately PLN 5.70–6.20/l. LPG (autogas) at ~PLN 3.00–3.40/l makes Poland attractive for the large LPG vehicle fleet.
Did Poland cut fuel taxes in 2022? Yes. Poland's 2022 Anti-Inflation Shield cut VAT on fuel from 23% to 8% and suspended the fuel surcharge from February 2022, keeping Polish prices among Europe's lowest through the crude price spike. The cuts were gradually reversed through 2023. By 2026 standard excise and VAT rates apply, but Poland's structurally lower excise vs Western Europe remains.: Yes. Poland's 2022 Anti-Inflation Shield cut VAT on fuel from 23% to 8% and suspended the fuel surcharge from February 2022, keeping Polish prices among Europe's lowest through the crude price spike. The cuts were gradually reversed through 2023. By 2026 standard excise and VAT rates apply, but Poland's structurally lower excise vs Western Europe remains.