The topic of fuel prices has been troubling public opinion since January 1, when the 23 percent rate returned. VAT on liquid fuels. Despite this, fuel prices in Orlen practically did not change, which raised many questions.
From January 1, 2023, the VAT rate is 23%. He returned to what we know before the introduction of the anti-inflationary shield, reducing the VAT to 8 percent.
Drivers were bracing for fuel prices to rise, but some analysts argued that Orlen had cushioned future margin losses by maintaining higher prices in December than was the case as a result of the price of a barrel of crude oil. Opposition politicians claim that Orlen robbed the Poles.
Orlen robbed the Poles? Daniel Obaitek translates
PKN Orlen President Daniel Obaitek was a guest of events in Polsat News. The head of the concern responded to accusations from the opposition.
“It’s curious that I have to apologize for not raising the prices. In no case do we rob the Poles. We have one of the cheapest types of fuel in Europe - Daniel Obaitek said.
“Six months ago I explained that we cannot freeze prices. We do not provide ourselves with the production of fuel. 25 percent of the fuel is imported from outside. No one will buy more expensive abroad in order to sell cheaper in Poland. Import parity would be violated, which means there would be no fuel at Polish stations - he explained.
Why has the price of fuel not changed?
PKN President Orlen also explained why prices have not changed since the return of the VAT rate to 23 percent.
– In December, the zloty strengthened, crude oil balanced between 70 and 80 dollars per barrel. There is an opportunity to reduce prices. They were afraid that before Christmas there would be a problem, because the Poles would rush to the railway stations, as after the start of the war in Ukraine - Daniel Obaitek said. “If we reduced prices even a little, then we would have to raise them. There would be a very big panic, because everyone would like to buy cheaper fuel - added.
Our clients did not fail. The claim that Orlen is robbing the Poles is unjustified against the national company. Attacking us is outrageous - he also said.
NICK wants to test Orlen
The President of PKN Orlen also referred to the information that the Supreme Audit Office and the Office for Competition and Consumer Protection want to check the company’s activities. He said it would be illegal. - I’m not afraid of these checks, because it’s just politicking. This year, the WOC has considered many cases concerning, including: fuel prices and has not seen anything - he said. - NIK has no right to check Orlen. According to the Companies Code, each shareholder has the same rights. What happens if the State Treasury buys one share of Shell or Total? Can NICK check this? - asked Daniel Obaitek.
Source: Wprost
