A private station owned by disco polo vocalist sells fuel by as much as a fewer 100 cents cheaper than the state's Orlen. erstwhile this difference was asked by the spokesperson for the government of Adam Sz Trapka, he did not give a circumstantial answer and only announced that the company would "examine" its prices.
An uncomfortable question for a government spokesman
During 1 of the press conferences, government spokesperson Adam Trapka heard a question he was seemingly not prepared for. The writer wanted to know why private fuel stations could sale petrol and diesel importantly cheaper than the state-owned company Orlen. As an example, he pointed to a late loud station owned by a well-known singer.
The station that Podlasie is talking about
This is about Konrad Skolimowski, acting as Skolim, 1 of the recognizable faces of the disco polo scene. In the fall of 2025, the artist opened his own fuel station in Cheremsze, Podlasie. It shortly turned out that the prices on his station could be lower than those on Orlen stations by up to 50 to 60 cents per litre. For drivers who refuel full, it is simply a real and noticeable difference in the wallet.
"Orlen will analyse prices"
When asked about this contrast, the Trap did not give a circumstantial answer. He stated that after this information, "Orlen will analyse fuel prices at his stations". erstwhile the writer asked if it meant the anticipation of reductions, the spokesperson replied that it was already the station's decision, after which he ended the conference. The exchange rapidly went online due to the fact that it showed well how uncomfortable the issue of fuel prices is for the government.
Why did it get more expensive?
The price increase on the stations didn't come out of nowhere. At the end of June 2026, a government program was concluded to keep lower fuel prices. With it, the reduced VAT and the mechanics of the maximum price disappeared, limiting the rates on distributors for any time. After the expiry of these solutions, prices went up, and differences between different stations became more apparent. On this background, the case of the Cheremchy station became loud.
Fuel that drives all prices
The price on the distributor is not just the cost of driving to work. Fuel drives transport of goods, agriculture and services, so all penny of the difference yet translates into prices in stores. That's why the subject is so politically sensitive. Prices at Orlen stations have been the subject of disputes for years. Prior to the 2023 election, the company was accused of artificially lowering rates, and after the vote, the fuel importantly increased.
Private competition versus state giant
The example of the station in Czeremza shows that even a small, private point is able to offer drivers a more favourable offer than the dominant company on the market. Orlen, controlling a large part of retail fuel sales in Poland, explains the price level of oil purchases and logistics. For the average driver, however, it matters first and foremost how much he actually pays for the distributor. The Skolim case has become a symbol of a simple question in this context: if a tiny player can sale cheaper, why can't this state mogul who owns its own refineries and logistics network?
