Poles are feeling the squeeze at the pump after the government scrapped fuel price caps and tax relief starting Sept 1, letting prices return to market levels at a time when geopolitical shocks are driving global crude markets higher.
Prices have climbed steadily since the end of the "cheap fuel" scheme. Residents say the increase is affecting daily life and travel habits.
"The prices are getting higher and higher over the last few weeks, so we have to work harder, and more than usual to afford. Everything is higher these days: the price of food and the price of flats. I usually ride a bike, because it's too expensive to drive a car," said Agnieszka, a resident.
As higher fuel costs feed into transport expenses and broader living costs, the Polish government is considering fresh measures to rein in prices. Economists, however, caution that domestic policy has limited sway over global supply shocks, and that the priority now is to contain the spillover of rising fuel prices into other goods.
"The first thing is that we have two wars in the current world. One is the Ukrainian war, the second one is the Iranian war. Both wars have a huge impact on oil. I think those two factors have a higher impact than any other impact which we have. In the worst scenario, we have to accept the price of oil similar to what they have in Italy, for example, in Europe," said Blazej Podgorski, a Polish economist.
Polish residents feel squeeze as fuel price caps end
Polish residents feel squeeze as fuel price caps end
The International Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is lighting up the city's Victoria Park from Sept 17 to 27, featuring more than 3,000 lanterns from around the world and drawing large crowds of residents and visitors.
This year's festival takes "Reunion" as its theme, bringing together traditional and innovative elements, as well as local and international cultures.
For the first time, the festival incorporates global cultural elements into the traditional Mid-Autumn celebrations, creating a distinctive festive experience.
Lanterns representing diverse traditions are on display, including Nanjing’s historic Qinhuai lanterns, handmade Hong Kong lanterns and overseas lanterns.
At the main entrance of Victoria Park, an eight-meter-tall installation inspired by Hong Kong's great banyan trees greets visitors. It is one of four giant works custom-made for Hong Kong by a Qinhuai lantern-making team whose craft is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
More than 3,000 lanterns from 20 countries and regions across Asia and Europe are on show, allowing visitors to explore folk customs and festive cultures from around the world through lantern art.
"The streets and alleys of Hong Kong are filled with a festive atmosphere during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Today's lantern festival is very beautiful, showcasing the charm of traditional Chinese culture and international lantern culture. It has attracted many residents and tourists. Hong Kong's economy has been stable this year, and people have a strong sense of gain and happiness," said Michael Woo Kim-kong, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from Hong Kong.
"The lantern festival this year has a strong traditional atmosphere, and the lanterns have a real festive feel. At the same time, it incorporates lanterns from other countries and regions, reflecting Hong Kong as an international metropolis that brings together visitors from all over the world to share the joy of reunion. With the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day approaching, Hong Kong is immersed in joy," said William So Wing-on, a member of Hong Kong's business community.
Visitors from the mainland were also among those drawn to the display.
"I came specially from the mainland to see the lanterns in Hong Kong. I'm very excited to be here today because the environment is particularly good and the lanterns are really beautiful," said a visitor from the mainland surnamed Cai.
Hong Kong lantern festival brings global cultures to Mid-Autumn celebrations
