Government Moves to Close Fuel-Stockpiling Loophole, Orlen and Unimot Back Changes

Poland’s government is preparing tougher rules for mandatory fuel reserves after monitoring found that some companies could avoid stockpiling obligations by moving activity between related businesses.

The Energy Ministry wants to close the legal gap in the system for compulsory reserves of crude oil and fuels. Under the pattern identified by the ministry, companies with the same ownership profile take turns operating. They stop activity just before they would have to establish permanent reserves and pay the costs of maintaining them.

The proposed amendment would clarify when the obligation to create reserves begins and how companies must fulfill it. It would also tighten the rules for leaving the emergency-reserve system and increase the role of the Government Strategic Reserve Agency.

The draft has been sent to the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers. If it is approved there, it could reach a government meeting, with adoption and referral to the Sejm for legislative work possible in September. The Energy Ministry and the Presidential Palace are also holding talks aimed at securing the president’s signature, citing energy security.

Orlen said the emergency crude oil and fuel reserve system helps ensure the fuel market continues to operate in Poland. The company described attempts to evade the obligation as a threat to the country’s fuel security. Unimot also supports the changes. The ministry said the proposal reflects market participants’ demands, sector feedback and operational experience.

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Therefore, any attempts to evade the obligation to maintain emergency reserves are above all a threat to the country’s fuel security.