Poland’s fuel prices are rising sharply. The gap to Germany is decreasing and diesel could soon reach historic highs.
In Poland, fuel prices will rise significantly in March 2026 due to the Iran crisis. Diesel in particular is becoming a cost driver and could reach new highs in the coming days, reports “Moto.pl”. At the same time, the country is losing part of what it had before Price advantage for tank tourists from Germany.
At the beginning of March, Poland was still considered a cheap alternative: A liter of diesel cost an average of around 1.42 euros, petrol around 1.35 euros. At the same time, prices in Germany were over 2 euros per liter – the price advantage was correspondingly large. However, the picture changes noticeably towards the middle of the month.
All information about fuel prices in Poland in March:
- The number of stations with diesel prices above 8 zloty (around 1.84 euros) per liter is increasing significantly
- At the peak, prices threaten to be significantly higher than the previous record of 8.08 zloty (around 1.86 euros)
- Forecast for the fourth week of March: Diesel: 8.19 zloty (around 1.88 euros) per liter
- Expected prices: Petrol 95: 7.19 zloty (around 1.65 euros) and petrol 98: 7.86 zloty (around 1.81 euros)
- Autogas (LPG): 3.59 zloty (around 0.83 euros) per liter
Refueling in Poland: Advantage shrinks significantly
Poland remains cheaperbut the gap to Germany has clearly become smaller:
- Diesel: only around 30 cents per liter cheaper
- Petrol: about 40 cents per liter cheaper
Previously, drivers could temporarily save up to 70 cents per liter. This advantage has almost halved within a few weeks. For many cross-border commuters, stopping to refuel is becoming increasingly less worthwhile. There is also a practical restriction: in Poland, a maximum of 10 liters of fuel can be transported in the reserve canister.
Within a week: Fuel prices in Poland continue to rise
At the same time, development continues to accelerate. In the week ending March 21, 2026, average prices will rise significantly again:
- Gasoline 95: 6.98 zloty = around 1.63 euros (+ around 0.09 euros)
- Gasoline 98: 7.57 zloty = around 1.76 euros
- Diesel: 7.88 zloty = around 1.84 euros (+ around 0.06 euros)
- Autogas (LPG): 3.39 zloty = around 0.79 euros
Diesel is particularly noticeable: it is now the most expensive fuel and is increasingly becoming a financial burden for frequent drivers and commuters.
New records possible in March: diesel over 1.90 euros in sight
The development is likely to continue in the short term. According to Moto.pl, analysts expect the following for the fourth week of March:
- Diesel: 8.19 zloty = around 1.90 euros
- Gasoline 95: 7.19 zloty = around 1.65 euros
- Gasoline 98: 7.86 zloty = around 1.81 euros
- LPG: 3.59 zloty = around 0.83 euros
This would mean that diesel would clearly rise above the 8 zloty (1.87 euro) mark. The record was already 8.08 zloty in 2022 – but only thanks to a temporary VAT reduction. Without this, the price would have been over 9 zloty (more than 2.05 euros).
Oil market as a driver: global crisis has a direct effect
The international oil market is primarily behind the price rally. Since the beginning of March, prices have risen significantly due to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region:
- Brent oil: around $109 per barrel, trending towards $120
- Imported contracts in Asia: up to 167 dollars
- Russian variety Urals: about 118 dollars
This development has a direct impact on European wholesale prices, particularly for diesel.
A structural difference explains why Poland was cheaper for a long time: lower taxes and duties. In Germany, government components account for more than half of the price of fuel. At the same time, experts warn that rising crude oil prices are often quickly passed on to consumers, while companies can benefit in the short term from inexpensively purchased inventory.



