By Michael Sauerbier
Petrol and diesel for just 1.30 euros: you can now save a lot when filling up in Poland. But only for two weeks.
Fuel prices in Berlin and Brandenburg are rising inexorably. A liter of petrol or diesel cost 1.80 to 1.90 euros in the capital on Thursday. The opposite is just 50 kilometers away: fuel prices have fallen dramatically in Poland!
A liter of Super E95 cost 5.99 zloty (1.30 euros) on Thursday in Slubice, 1.89 to 1.97 euros in nearby Frankfurt (Oder), just one kilometer away. The short trip over the border bridge can save 33 euros with a 50 liter tank. And even more if you fill the permitted 20 liter canister.
Petrol and diesel now cost 5.99 zloty (1.30 euros) in Poland. Queues form in front of some gas stations Photo: picture alliance/dpa/CTK
The difference is also huge for diesel: 6 zloty (1.30 euros) in Poland, 1.80-1.87 euros in Frankfurt (Oder) and Berlin. But be careful: In some places, the first gas stations behind the border charge significantly higher prices, for example in Forst (Lausitz), Schwedt/Oder and Coschen. It’s worth driving a few kilometers further into the neighboring country.
Where does the Polish fuel price miracle come from while the price of crude oil is rising worldwide? Anyone who asks the Poles always hears the same answer: the reason is the parliamentary election on October 15th. Before that, the ruling PIS party wants to make citizens happy. A gas station attendant from Slubice: “It’s always like this here before elections.”
The discount is possible because the Polish state owns half of the Orlen oil company, Polish media speculate. The Orlen gas stations were the first to reduce prices at the end of last week – the competition had to follow suit. An election gift from which German drivers can now also benefit.
With the enormous savings, even the journey from Berlin is now worth it. The next border crossing is Hohenwutzen on the B 158. There is a larger selection and cheaper prices in Slubice and Gubinek. But only until election day. “After October 15th,” said the gas station attendant, “fuel prices will go up again!”