Poland reinstates 60% temporary windfall tax on fuel firms amid high margins

Poland's cabinet has reintroduced a temporary windfall tax on fuel manufacturers and firms importing certain liquid fuels from other EU countries, setting the rate at 60% of revenues that exceed what would be earned using the average 2025 fuel-sales margin increased by 20%. The proposal, due for consideration on September 15, supersedes a July law that the president referred to the Constitutional Tribunal, arguing it violated the principle against retroactive legislation.

The levy is intended to exclude normal profitability and gains from expansion, focusing solely on unusually high margins generated by the recent disruption in energy markets. Payments will be made through monthly advances with an annual settlement, aiming to recoup part of the PLN4.7bn cost of the government's CPN fuel-price relief package launched after the Middle East conflict and oil-supply shocks. The Energy Ministry highlighted that fuel companies have enjoyed sharply higher refining and trading margins during this period. The government hopes the tax will help offset the fiscal burden of those subsidies.