Fuel prices are rising not only in our country. And not only Bulgarians are looking for alternatives in neighboring countries for refueling with cheaper diesel and gasoline.
A month ago, the Slovaks made similar trips to Hungary. However, since the beginning of February, they have been sent to Polish gas stations. They take out several hundred thousand liters of fuel in tubes. In response, Poland decided to establish border controls, according to EurActiv.
Gasoline and diesel are about 25-35 cents per liter cheaper in Poland, as Warsaw decided to lower VAT on these energy commodities in response to rising inflation. With a 50-liter tank, Slovaks can save 10-18 euros if they cross the petrol border. Warsaw also decided to abolish VAT on food products. Thus, with one entry into the country, Slovaks also buy products cheaper.
Due to the huge interest, several petrol stations in Polish border towns were closed for several hours due to running out of fuel.
The Polish Road Transport Inspectorate is starting checks.
“We will check whether large volumes of fuel are transported in vehicles outside of tanks on the border with Slovakia in Czyżne. It would be dangerous,” the inspectorate said.
By law, a car crossing the border can carry no more than four 60-liter canisters of fuel outside the tank. Pipes must comply with EU standards.
More and more Czechs and Germans are refueling from neighboring countries.
Die Welt cites the German Gas Station Association as warning that local gas stations near the border could go bankrupt due to a wave of “fuel tourism” to Poland.