The Polish government introduced fuel price caps earlier this week in an effort to protect consumers from surging costs.
Motyka told public broadcaster Polish Radio on Friday that the government’s “Pump Prices Down” (CPN) package would be maintained “as long as there is a need,” with decisions made on an ongoing basis.
If crude oil prices remain high for an extended period, he said he would support extending the measures aimed at limiting fuel costs.
Global oil prices have risen since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes and driving up fuel costs worldwide, including in Poland.
In response, the Polish government last week announced a package of temporary regulations to curb increases in gasoline and diesel prices.
The package includes caps on fuel prices at gas stations, reductions in excise tax and a lower value-added tax (VAT).
The energy ministry also publishes daily maximum fuel prices, with penalties of up to PLN 1 million (EUR 230,000) for violations, enforced by the National Revenue Administration (KAS).
Motyka said there has been a modest rise in so-called "fuel tourism," with drivers crossing borders to take advantage of lower prices in Poland, but described the increase as limited.
“We are seeing a rise of a few percent compared with the period before the package was introduced,” he said.
If the trend intensifies, the government could consider measures such as limits on the amount of fuel that can be purchased or restrictions on filling containers.
Differentiating prices based on nationality would be difficult, he told Polish Radio, though it remains "one of the options under consideration."
Motyka said authorities were monitoring the situation daily and see no major risk. He added that fuel tourism typically declines ahead of holidays and that a clearer picture of the scale of the trend should emerge after Easter.
Motyka also said the government would discuss potential additional support for farmers affected by high diesel prices.
Farmers currently receive partial refunds of excise tax on fuel used in agricultural production.
Talks with Agriculture Minister Stefan Krajewski on possibly increasing that support are planned for next week.
Under limits announced by Motyka on Thursday, the maximum retail price for regular 95-octane gasoline was set at PLN 6.19 (around EUR 1.45) per litre on Friday, while higher-grade 98-octane gasoline was capped at PLN 6.80 (EUR 1.60). The price of diesel fuel was set at a maximum of PLN 7.64 (EUR 1.80) per litre.
From Saturday to Tuesday, 95-octane gasoline will cost no more than PLN 6.21 per litre, 98-octane gasoline will be capped at PLN 6.82, and diesel fuel at PLN 7.87 per litre, under ceilings announced on Friday.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in early March that Poland faced no risk of fuel shortages despite the Middle East conflict.
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Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info