Poland continues to purchase large volumes of Russian liquefied carbon gas (LPG). Because of the difference in price, the Poles are not even interested in Western products, they say in the companies. Rejection of Russian autogas could have consequences, observers say.
“Poland is still the largest importer of LPG from Russia, this is one seventh of the fuel in our market,” writes the Polish Rzeczpospolita. The publication cites Eurostat data that in 2022 it imported autogas from Russia for 710 million euros. While the rest of the EU countries spent 417 million euros on Russian fuel.
“Recently, we have been importing more and more of this fuel,” writes Rzeczpospolita. “According to Unimot, the difference between the price of a product from the East and the West is so large that most fuel buyers are not interested in Western LPG. Only a few want a product from the West, and the company provides them with such delivery.
Reviewer Adam Wozniak notes that any types of Russian gas are not subject to sanctions, and the refusal of autogas will have consequences for the country. The fact is that the Poles are the world’s second largest consumers of LPG after Turkey.
“Although an embargo on Russian autogas supplies would be morally correct, the consequences of such a move would be economically dubious. And in the face of the upcoming parliamentary elections, this is politically very risky… A rapid transition from East to West will lead to supply problems at gas stations and higher prices. And it will infuriate nearly three million autogas car owners.” he writes. Adam Wozniak recalled that the rejection of Russian coal led to higher prices and shortages.
“Meanwhile, the lack of LPG would have shaken the entire Polish fuel market: not being able to refuel autogas, car owners would have to buy gasoline, which would significantly increase demand. When pump prices skyrocket and the war in Ukraine continues to threaten the stability of global supplies, it could be disastrous,” commented Rzeczpospolita.
As reported EADaily, on the railway in Latvia, checks of the owners of tanks began, because of which the supply of Russian autogas to Ukraine dropped sharply. As a result, prices there immediately rose by 10%.
