Czech Republic Now Boasts Lowest Fuel Prices in Central Europe

Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have dropped to their lowest levels since February, with petrol priced between 35 and 38 crowns per liter and diesel even a crown cheaper.

This decline has led to an unexpected trend: Polish drivers are now crossing the border to fill up in the Czech Republic, taking advantage of the more affordable prices.

The town of Zlaté Hory in Jesenice, located just a short distance from the Polish border, used to see only a few cars a day at its petrol stations. Most of these were Czech vehicles heading to Poland to refuel, as prices were more favorable there. However, the situation has changed dramatically.

Petrol stations in Poland, such as those in Chalupki near Ostrava, now charge nearly three crowns more per liter compared to Czech prices. As a result, Czech vehicles have disappeared from Polish stations, while cars with Polish license plates are becoming a common sight at Czech border petrol stations.

“Since prices have risen in Poland, they are coming here to fill up,” noted the operator of a petrol station in Zlaté Hory.

Economist Lukáš Kovanda attributes the lower fuel prices in the Czech Republic to two key factors.

“Firstly, the global oil prices are declining, and secondly, the Czech koruna has strengthened significantly against the US dollar. These factors are driving down the cost of fuel in the Czech Republic,” Kovanda explained.

Residents of the border region also point to the influence of Poland’s internal political situation on fuel prices.

“Before the Polish elections, we used to go there for cheaper petrol and diesel, which were almost ten crowns less than here. Now, prices have leveled off, so we prefer to stay in the Czech Republic,” shared one respondent in a CNN Prima News poll.

Fuel prices are expected to drop further this week, potentially by up to 40 hellers, with a more gradual decline anticipated throughout September.

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