Polish law aimed at lowering petrol prices takes effect

New legislation to reduce fuel prices in Poland took effect on Tuesday, as the government in Warsaw tries to reduce the impact on consumers of increased global oil prices due to the Iran conflict.

According to the Energy Ministry, a litre of regular petrol may not cost more than 6.16 zloty (about $1.65). The maximum retail price for a litre of super is now 6.76 zloty and for diesel 7.60 zloty.

The legislation, signed into law on Friday, provides for a reduction in VAT on fuels from the current 23% to 8%. In addition, the energy minister will be able to reduce the level of the energy tax on fuel until the end of June.

The government had already announced a reduction to the minimum permitted under EU law for petrol and diesel, which comes to just under €0.07 ($0.08) per litre.

A maximum retail price for fuel is to apply until the end of June. That price will be set daily by the energy minister on the basis of average wholesale prices and the operating costs of the largest suppliers. Violations can be punished with fines of up to the equivalent of €230,000.