The EU country is running out of coal after banning imports from Russia

Poland restricts coal sales in the country after blocking imports from RussiaDeputy Minister of State Property Piotr Pyzik informed at the National Assembly on May 27.

Domestic demand for raw materials is outstripping domestic production, he explained. “Companies have decided to limit sales to fuel the next heating season to serve as many customers as possible,” explained Mr. Pyzik.

Polish officials also acknowledged that the situation in the country is difficult and it is difficult for consumers to buy coal.

Russian coal ban also lead to price speculation. Polish media reported that many people queued near coal depots due to strong demand despite the end of the heating season.

According to the Onet portal, more than 100 vehicles were lined up at the coal depot in Gorzyce Wielkie.

Amid the shortage, many families are forced to buy coal from resellers at 2,500-3,000 zloty/ton ($700-800), much higher than the official price of around 1,000 zloty ($234).

Poland imported Russian coal for many years, with coal from Russia accounting for about 20% of the country’s domestic consumption. About 9.4 million tons of coal are imported from Russia into Poland in 2020 and are mainly used for household heating. Poland also imports about 50% of its gas and more than 60% of its oil from Russia.

However, when the war Ukraine outbreak, Poland called for a complete ban on Russian energy. In March, Warsaw announced to end all imports of Russian energy, including oil, gas and coal, before the end of 2022.