Saudi energy group Saudi Aramco is considering selling its assets in Poland. Rzeczpospolita was the first to report it. The assets are the fuel wholesaler Aramco Fuels Poland, a 30% stake in the Gdańsk Refinery (Orlen holds 70%) and a 50% stake in Air BP Aramco Poland, which supplies aviation fuel.
According to the newspaper, there are two possible scenarios: a complete exit from Poland or the sale of Aramco Fuels Poland only. The second option is seen as more likely.
State Assets Minister Wojciech Balczun said Aramco’s exit could be an opportunity to bring these assets back into Polish hands. According to the Interia website, the minister is waiting for the Saudis’ position and described the situation as fairly dynamic. Orlen is leading the talks with Aramco. Orlen’s chief executive, Ireneusz Fąfara, is due to speak with the Saudis this week.
The Gdańsk Refinery is on the list of protected companies. Anyone wishing to acquire a significant stake in it must notify the state assets minister. The minister can object if the transaction threatens critical infrastructure.
Aramco bought the Polish assets in 2022. This was a condition set by the European Commission when it approved Orlen’s merger with Grupa Lotos.
What it means for Poles in the UK
Nothing changes directly. However, the matter concerns fuel prices and supplies in Poland, and therefore the cost of driving to Poland, the transport of goods and the operations of Polish haulage firms that many Poles in the UK rely on.
What it means for you
- Drivers and haulage firms: for now these are only considerations. Pump prices will not change because of this.
- Investors: any purchase of the stakes by Orlen would mean a large outlay for a state-controlled company.
- The market: if the assets return to Orlen, the European Commission may again ask questions about competition in the fuel market.
Our assessment
We do not expect this to be resolved quickly. The government and Orlen are only analysing the scenarios, and Aramco has not officially said what it will sell. Bringing the assets back into Polish hands sounds good politically, but it costs money and may require Brussels’ approval. A sale of the fuel wholesale business alone is more likely than a full exit from the refinery.
What to do
- Follow official announcements from the Ministry of State Assets: gov.pl/web/aktywa-panstwowe.
- Planning to drive to Poland? You can check fuel prices on websites that compare pump prices.
Sources: Rzeczpospolita (October 2026); Interia Biznes (October 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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