May brought with it a change at Polish petrol stations. It concerns not only fuel prices, which are fluctuating due to world events. Polish drivers have started to fill up with fuel with different specifications. This is an annual change resulting from the adaptation of fuel to higher temperatures.

The fuel is not the same

Many drivers don’t even notice. Fuel is not the same all year round. Its composition and properties change with the seasons. Personally, this makes sense to me, given the temperature differences, but without the lack of information, I certainly wouldn’t have noticed the change. It’s actually similar to tires, for example. We also change them from winter to summer and vice versa. Similarly, the change in fuel composition is a regular process that allows cars to run efficiently.

Why it is important

There are even three types of fuel. Winter, intermediate and summer. Changes in fuel composition are not invented by station operators. The changes are based on the provisions contained in the regulation of the Minister of Economy. The document specifies the specific requirements that fuels must meet at a given time of year, including the values of key parameters.

In the case of petrol, vapour pressure, which is a measure of its volatility, plays an important role. During winter, this value ranges from 60 to 90 kPa, while from March onwards the lower limit drops to 45 kPa. Too high a pressure can lead to the formation of vapour lock, which interferes with engine operation. Conversely, too low a pressure can make starting difficult at low temperatures.

Similar adjustments are made for diesel fuel. A key parameter is the cold filter plugging point (CFPP). Winter diesel is designed for very low temperatures, down to -20 degrees Celsius, thanks to additives that prevent paraffin precipitation. The transitional version has a CFPP of around -10 degrees Celsius, which is sufficient for spring. Summer diesel fuel became available at service stations on 16 April .

Change points:

  • Since May 1, summer gasoline has been available at gas stations in Poland.
  • The change is subject to the Fuel Quality Act.
  • Summer diesel has been available at petrol stations in Poland since 16 April.
━━ ( Source: engin akyurt /  Unsplash+ )

Lower fuel prices

In addition to the annual change, this year drivers are also dealing with the changing price of fuel. The Polish government has decided to reduce VAT and excise duty rates on motor fuels. The reduction was originally supposed to last only until the end of May. However, the government has decided to extend the period of reduced rates until 15 May 2026. It is still possible that this extension will not be final.

The extension is due to the fact that the conflict in the Middle East, which has caused price fluctuations on world markets, is still ongoing. According to a decree of the Minister of Finance and Economy, the VAT rate on petrol, diesel and biofuels will remain at 8% instead of the standard 23%. In addition, the excise duty has been maintained at the minimum level allowed by EU directives. The government stresses that these measures are temporary and aim to stabilise the domestic energy market.

For example, neighbouring Czech Republic has a different system of fuel price regulation. The Czech government sets price ceilings on a daily basis. As a result, fuel prices change every day and people cannot be sure how much they will actually fill up next. Nobody knows whether it is a good idea to fill up on a given day or to wait until the next day.