In response to the needs of the dynamically changing fuel market and with the aim of strengthening the position of independent businesses, the Polish Fuel Group (Polska Grupa Paliwowa) was established – an association bringing together fuel station operators and wholesale distributors from across Poland. The organization aims to build a strong, integrated environment that will collectively work towards development, stability, and equal access to the market. On October 7 this year, the inaugural meeting took place in Czechowice-Dziedzice, during which the statute was adopted and the management board and supervisory board of the association were appointed, thus initiating the activities of the Polish Fuel Group. The association was established by over 100 founding members representing entrepreneurs from various regions of the country.
It is precisely independent operators and private networks that today account for nearly half of the fuel station market in Poland. Equally important are independent distributors, who provide flexible and competitive supplies across the country - often in areas where large corporations are absent. Despite this significant role, smaller entities face increasing market pressure: rising operating costs, complex regulations, demands of the energy transition, and the dominance of major players.
“The establishment of the Polish Fuel Group is a response to the real needs of the market. Until now, Poland lacked an organization focused on the interests of independent fuel companies,” says Adam Sikorski, CEO of Unimot S.A. and the initiator of the Polish Fuel Group. “It’s time to change that. It’s time to create a space that is ours - open, collaborative, oriented toward practical support and joint development. I already have experience in building similar initiatives nearly ten years ago, I co-founded the Polish Automotive Group Association, which today brings together almost 100 companies and serves as a significant voice in the automotive sector. I believe we can achieve similar success in the fuel industry, especially since very committed entrepreneurs—often second-generation family members in this business have been appointed to the statutory bodies of the new association. I personally encourage everyone who could not attend the founding meeting to join us in this joint effort.”
The mission of the Polish Fuel Group is to build a strong and integrated community of independent entrepreneurs operating in the fuel market. Through joint actions, economies of scale, and active participation in shaping the market and regulatory environment, the organization will strive to strengthen the position of independent entities and create stable conditions for their development. The Polish Fuel Group is the first initiative of its kind in Poland that brings together independent companies operating in the fuel sector—both station operators and wholesale distributors. Similar organizations operate successfully in many countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
“Our goal is for the Polish Fuel Group to become a real support for the day-to-day operations of entrepreneurs in this industry,” emphasizes Robert Petruczuk, CEO of the Polish Fuel Group Association. “We want to create tools that allow members to operate more efficiently - from joint purchasing and training to initiatives in legal matters or energy transition. We want every member, regardless of company size, to feel that they have a voice and influence, and to experience real benefits from belonging to this organization. I am confident that the appointed management board, consisting of representatives from independent fuel companies of various sizes, will take excellent care of the interests of the entire sector.”
The Polish Fuel Group was established in the form of an association, ensuring independence and real influence for all members over the direction of its activities. Membership primarily offers concrete business benefits, addressing the key challenges faced today by independent fuel market entrepreneurs. Key areas of activity include, among others, a joint purchasing group, legal and operational support, and the creation of an environment for cooperation and exchange of experience among members.
“The Polish Fuel Group was founded with the belief that together we can achieve more,” adds Krzysztof Rutkowski, partner at KDCP and chairman of the association’s supervisory board. “We want it to be an organization that not only represents the interests of its members but also consistently influences the development of the entire sector, which is particularly important in a changing and demanding market environment. We believe that cooperation, exchange of experience, and joint business initiatives will enable independent companies to compete more effectively and build lasting value in their local communities. It will also serve as support for small and medium-sized fuel companies, which in recent years have been increasingly burdened with ever-expanding obligations and regulations. We believe that the PFG will fulfill a mission both as an information hub for member companies and as their voice in discussions on legal simplifications and facilitation.”
Among the 103 founding members are representatives of independent fuel stations and companies involved in wholesale fuel distribution.
