The Polish government is developing new measures to protect the population from a possible sharp increase in natural gas prices in 2027. The authorities are considering reintroducing the mechanism of tariff freezing and compensation for suppliers that was used during the previous energy crisis.
Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański announced this on November 6 on TVN24, as reported by Bankier.pl, citing PAP Biznes.
According to the minister, specific proposals for consumer protection will be presented within approximately ten days. The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, and Ministry of State Assets are working on them together.
“Within ten days we will present very specific solutions, including regarding gas prices. They have risen through no fault of ours. We know this is the situation in international markets, also linked to events in the Middle East. We want Polish households not to suffer from this,” said Domański.
One of the options being considered is setting a maximum gas price for households. If the tariff approved by the regulator is higher than the state-imposed limit, suppliers will be able to receive compensation for the difference.
As previously reported by Money.pl, citing Rzeczpospolita, the Polish Ministry of Energy is considering restoring the support mechanisms that were in place in 2022–2024. However, no final decision has yet been made on the amount of compensation and sources of funding.
Analyst Michał Kozak of DM Trigon estimates that without additional protective measures, gas tariffs for Polish households in 2027 may rise by about 35%. This is a preliminary market estimate, not an approved amount of future increase.
Currently, myORLEN customers are subject to a regulated natural gas price of PLN 197.29 per MWh net of VAT. As reported by the Polish Energy Regulatory Office (URE), the validity of this tariff has been extended until December 31, 2026.
The current price applies to the relevant tariff groups for households, as well as to certain public institutions, including hospitals, schools, and kindergartens.
The need for new support measures stems from the rise in natural gas prices on European markets. In late October, quotations at the Dutch TTF gas hub exceeded EUR 100 per MWh, heightening concerns about energy costs next year.
In early November, exchange prices declined somewhat but remained well above the levels embedded in the current regulated tariffs for households.
Final tariffs for 2027 will be determined within the framework of the procedure of agreement with URE. Their size will depend on justified supplier costs, purchase prices, and possible state intervention.
For Ukrainians living in Poland and paying for gas at household tariffs, the new restrictions may have practical significance. If the government approves the relevant mechanism, the terms of protection will depend on the category of consumer and the contract with the supplier, not directly on citizenship.
At the same time, the decision to freeze gas prices in 2027 has not yet been made. The government still needs to present a final version of the support mechanism, determine the scope of beneficiaries, and the procedure and financing for it.
