“Fuel prices may skyrocket. That means higher costs for Polish families, farmers, entrepreneurs and the entire economy,” warned Law and Justice (PiS) from the early morning hours.
The statements by the opposition were addressed by the Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Jan Grabiec – in a tone attacking Law and Justice (PiS).
Since Saturday morning, an operation by Israel and the United States targeting Iran has been underway. As a result of the attacks, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Mohammad Pakpour, and influential security adviser Ali Shamkhani were killed. Iran responded with strikes on Israel and U.S. military targets in the Persian Gulf states.
In retaliation – Tehran launched attacks on American bases in the region. Explosions have been heard in many countries across the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, is one of the most important hubs of global trade. Following Saturday’s events, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that no vessels would be allowed to enter its waters. As a result, hundreds of tankers have been halted on both sides of the strait.
It is estimated that between approximately 20 and 33 percent of global seaborne oil trade passes through this route, as well as a significant portion of natural gas supplies. For Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, it is the only maritime route enabling oil exports.
PiS warns of a fuel crisis
In connection with this risk – Law and Justice (PiS) posted a message on social media today stating: “The situation in the Middle East is tense. If oil prices skyrocket, we will all pay for it at the pumps. Are we prepared for this? The government must act now”.
The largest opposition party has, since the early morning hours, been criticizing the cabinet of Donald Tusk for failing to take real action to bring Polish citizens staying in the Middle East back home. Law and Justice (PiS) is also pointing to the danger associated with the looming prospect of a fuel crisis.
“A hot conflict around Iran. The oil route through the Strait of Hormuz blocked. The government should immediately secure cheap crude oil and gasoline for Poles. The government should also bring Poles back from the Persian Gulf. The government is doing nothing. Donald Tusk is waiting for decisions from the European Commission”, indicated Paweł Szrot.
Mateusz Kurzejewski, deputy spokesperson for Law and Justice (PiS), referring to a post by Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka, stated: “The energy minister has just written that there will be no fuel crisis. And I remember exactly how he said there would be no electricity price increases, only reductions. Later those ‘reductions’ turned into increases. Now it also means it will be exactly the opposite. Dear government – it is high time to get to work and introduce some shields that will protect Poles from fuel price hikes”.
Mariusz Błaszczak called on the government to act:
“A fuel crisis is approaching. Gasoline prices at stations are rising. Will Donald Tusk’s government do anything about it? Action is needed”.
During a press conference, PiS MEP Piotr Müller addressed the Ministry of Finance.
“Today we are also asking the Ministry of Finance whether it is ready, for example, to temporarily reduce excise duty and other fuel taxes in order to stabilize fuel prices if a crisis situation occurs”, he said.
In response – an attack
The issue was addressed by the Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Jan Grabiec. In a social media post – he attacked Law and Justice (PiS).
“PiS once again in the tone of Kremlin propaganda. After attacking the rearmament of the Polish army, they have now decided to announce a fuel crisis at gas stations today. Are you being paid in rubles by PiS, or are you doing this for free?”, the post reads.