In Poland, before winter, fuel for heating becomes more expensive, coal selection decreases

On the eve of the heating season in Poland, the main types of fuel for private homes are becoming more expensive, and coal buyers have to reckon with a smaller selection and longer delivery times. The market situation is partially stabilized by an increase in imports.

This is reported by Business Insider Polska. According to the publication, the problem directly concerns about 3.5 million Polish households that still use coal for heating.

It is not about a general absence of coal on the Polish market, but primarily about a reduction in the range and an increase in waiting time for certain types of fuel. Earlier, the Polish Ministry of State Assets reported that both domestic production and imports are increasing simultaneously, so the authorities do not expect a large-scale coal shortage in winter.

However, the availability of fuel does not solve the problem of its cost. Before the start of the season, coal prices rose: in the offers of the largest Polish producer, certain types cost about 1,300 zlotys per ton, while private sellers may charge 1,700–2,000 zlotys depending on the grade.

Pellets have risen in price even more this year. According to the PelletAlert service, in the second half of September, the median offer price was about 2,435 zlotys per ton. This is approximately 77% more than a year earlier.

Business Insider also notes an increase in the cost of gas and heating oil. As a result, a more expensive winter season awaits not only owners of coal-fired boilers, but also households using alternative individual heating systems.

The pellet situation has been particularly tense since summer. In the Polish Sejm in the summer, issues were raised about high prices and limited availability of this fuel before the 2026/2027 season. On the market, the problem was linked to a reduced supply of raw materials and high demand from households that in recent years have switched to pellet boilers.

Thus, the main risk for Polish consumers this winter currently looks not like a physical shortage of fuel on a national scale, but its price increase and more limited choice during peak demand.

Sources: Business Insider Polska, PelletAlert, Gazeta Prawna