The law was created to protect natural gas consumers most vulnerable to the effects of price increases. As a ministry, we have ensured that the catalogue of protected institutions includes those playing an important role in the implementation of social policy tasks. We are glad that thanks to the solutions included in the Anti-inflation Shield 2.0 the Poles will be less severely affected by the disturbances on the energy and gas markets - said Marlena Maląg, the Minister of Family and Social Policy.

According to the act, by the end of 2023, tariff protection will cover, among others

·    organisational units of social assistance 
·    night shelters and heating facilities 
·    organisational units supporting the family and foster care system 
·    entities running crèches and children's clubs, as well as day carers
·    non-governmental organisations
·    facilities providing round-the-clock care for disabled, chronically ill or elderly persons
·    family assistance homes and sheltered housing
·    social integration centres
·    social integration clubs
·    social cooperatives
·    entities operating occupational therapy workshops and vocational activity workshops

At the same time, gas prices for tariff customers will be frozen until the end of 2022. 
 
The government also wants to guarantee tariff protection to all residents of cooperatives and communities - also in cases where the cooperative or community has not yet applied for such protection. A compensation system of approximately PLN 10 billion has been prepared for gas sellers selling to tariff customers. 

As part of a comprehensive fight against inflation, on Thursday the Sejm also passed an amendment to the VAT Act, which provides for a temporary reduction to zero of VAT rates on food, fertilisers and gas, to 5% on heat, and to 8% on fuels. The law is part of the so-called Anti-Inflation Shield 2.0 and is to come into force on 1 February this year.

The welfare of citizens is the most important thing for us. Therefore, we do everything to protect Poles from the effects of inflation. We want them to feel it as little as possible in their wallets - summed up Marlena Maląg, the Minister of Family and Social Policy.