Poland's Domański says government is working on measures to shield households from gas price spike

In brief

• Finance Minister Andrzej Domański says the government is working on measures to protect households from rising energy bills.
• Several options are under consideration, and the Ministry of Energy is expected to present them, with gas-market proposals due in November.
• Gas prices in Europe have exceeded 100 euros per MWh, and bills could rise by up to 35 percent without support.

Government preparing household protection

Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański said on Thursday that work is underway on measures to shield households from a significant increase in energy bills. He said several options are on the table and that ministers would begin presenting them in the coming weeks (Rachunki za gaz mogą wzrosnąć o 35 proc. Wiemy, jak może wyglądać pomoc rządowa – Rzeczpospolita) (Ceny energii rosną. Rząd zapowiada nowe rozwiązania dla gospodarstw domowych – Rzeczpospolita) (Rząd zajmie się wysokimi cenami gazu. Andrzej Domański: na stole jest kilka rozwiązań – Puls Biznesu) (Domański zapowiada działania ws. cen gazu. Rząd pracuje nad rozwiązaniami – Bankier.pl).

Gas market proposals due in November

Domański said solutions specifically concerning the gas market should be known by November (Domański: jeszcze w listopadzie przedstawimy rozwiązania w sprawie wysokich cen gazu – portalsamorzadowy.pl). The proposals fall under the remit of the Ministry of Energy, which is expected to announce the details (Rząd szykuje rozwiązania ws. rachunków za energię. Domański podał termin – GazetaPrawna.pl).

Why prices are rising

The pressure stems from lower gas reserves in storage, the approach of colder weather and the absence of a quick end to the conflict in the Middle East. Those factors have pushed gas prices in Europe to record levels, and the government is likely to consider price freezes among other tools. Gas prices on European contracts have exceeded 100 euros per megawatt-hour, and wholesale electricity prices have also climbed.

Possible support measures

Media reports suggest the state could extend support for gas users, with bill increases of up to 35 percent cited as a possible scenario for households if no action is taken (Będzie wsparcie dla korzystających z gazu. Minister zapowiada – money.pl). No final decision on the form of assistance has been announced.