The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection is analyzing whether to launch an intervention regarding a potential violation of competition rules in connection with the drastic rise in fuel prices at gas stations. The President of the National Bank of Poland, Adam Glapiński, speaks of “no grounds” for such significant price increases.
The price of diesel fuel has risen by an average of 0.41 PLN per liter over the past week, reaching 6.40 PLN by midweek, while Pb95 gasoline increased by 0.25 PLN to 5.99 PLN. In some places, diesel already costs nearly 7 PLN per liter, particularly along highways and in the centers of large cities.
“Prices at gas stations, especially in central Warsaw, have completely skyrocketed without any basis and out of fear related to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East,” said the President of the NBP, Prof. Adam Glapiński, during a press conference.
UOKiK analysis
TV Republika asked UOKiK about the actions being taken by the institution.
“We are receiving signals regarding increases in retail fuel prices. As for wholesale prices, we have not received such signals so far. UOKiK constantly monitors the fuel market. We are analyzing whether the information we currently possess provides grounds for intervention. At this stage, the turbulence on the fuel market is caused by the outbreak of the conflict and uncertainty regarding the stability of supplies from the Persian Gulf region. We will continue to observe the market situation and, if there is suspicion of a violation of competition rules, we will respond accordingly,” Bartosz Klimczuk from the UOKiK press office told the Niezależna.pl portal.
Assurances from Tusk
Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured that the situation is stable and that there is no reason for concern regarding fuel supplies and reserves. He indicated that state-controlled companies will take action to mitigate the effects of rising oil prices.
“When it comes to prices, we will not be the ones making decisions here, but Orlen, as the main actor on this stage, is aware – it will use the tools available to it, including financial ones – for example those related to margins – so that potential spikes in oil prices on global markets do not translate into massive and very painful fuel price increases in Poland. Of course, we cannot guarantee the inviolability of prices at this time. War has its consequences on global markets, but companies under state control will keep in mind the need to mitigate the possible effects of rising oil prices on global markets. That is something I can also guarantee to you,” he said on Tuesday.
He also added that “when it comes to prices, we will do everything so that the consequences of the war are not too painful.”