Across LANDE’s represented markets - Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania - governments have introduced or proposed targeted fiscal and regulatory measures to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs. These include temporary excise reductions, agricultural diesel support schemes, fuel-market stabilization measures, and sector-specific reimbursement mechanisms.
Latvia
Latvia's strategy is based on ensuring liquidity before the start of seasonal works and reducing the tax burden.
Support Measures:
• Marked Diesel Advances: Farmers can receive an advance of up to 50% of the previous year's marked diesel volume to start sowing works.
• Excise Tax Relief: According to Ministry of Finance data, the reduced excise duty rate for marked agricultural diesel is being maintained and prioritized.
• Solidarity Levy: Debates are ongoing in the Saeima regarding a temporary levy on fuel retailers to redistribute "excess profits" for agricultural support.
Sources: lad.gov.lv, LSM (10.04.2026.), LSM (10.04.2026), Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia.
Lithuania
Lithuania utilizes strategic reserves for market stabilization and fiscal policy flexibility.
Support Measures:
• Release of Oil Reserves: In March, 80,000 tonnes of oil stocks were released into the market to reduce overall price pressure for all consumers, including the agricultural sector.
• Temporary Tax Reduction: To directly reduce costs, a temporary reduction in diesel fuel tax has been introduced.
• Agricultural Development Programs: Applications continue for support for small and medium-sized farms, which also includes coverage of operating costs.
• Diplomatic Pressure: Senior state officials continue to lobby for the equalization of EU direct payments so that Baltic farmers have equal opportunities to absorb the rise in energy resource prices.
Romania
Romania focuses on accelerating bureaucratic processes and immediate financial liquidity through voucher systems.
Support Measures:
• Subsidy Allocation: In March, 620 million RON was approved for subsidizing agricultural diesel with a reimbursement rate of 2.697 RON per liter.
• Direct Exemption Vouchers: A reform is being promoted to replace the reimbursement system with vouchers (up to 78l/ha), allowing the purchase of fuel without VAT and excise duty at the time of purchase.
• Emergency Excise Cut: In parallel with existing schemes, the government is considering an emergency ordinance to provide targeted VAT and excise relief directly for the agricultural sector in response to the market crisis.
• Transport Grants: A 650 million RON package for the transport industry (0.85 RON/l), which directly affects agricultural logistics costs.
Sources: Profit.ro (19.03.2026), Romania Insider (13.03.2026), agrobiznes.ro, Revista Ferma, Observator de Timis, Incisvdeprahova
Poland
Poland continues to implement a comprehensive intervention policy, combining direct price caps with tax reliefs.
Support Measures:
• Fuel Price Caps: Since March 31, 2026, the government introduced daily price caps for petrol and diesel to protect consumers, including farmers.
• VAT and Excise Cuts: VAT on fuel was temporarily reduced from 23% to 8% until the end of April, while the excise duty was set at the EU minimum level.
• Excise Tax Refund: The application window for diesel excise duty refunds opened in April — 162.80 PLN per hectare and 59.20 PLN per livestock unit.
• Emergency Aid Request: The Farmers' Council has issued an official call to the government to provide additional emergency aid not only for fuel but also for the purchase of fertilizers to prevent a drop in production volumes.
Sources: Notes from Poland (31.03.2026), Top Agrar Polska (31.03.2026) Gmina Ząbkowice Śląskie (Official), Agrofakt.pl
Fertilizer continues to be a notable cost factor across the region, and farmer organizations and national institutions are increasingly aligned in calling for stronger EU-level action to improve affordability and reduce supply-side vulnerability. That pressure is already translating into policy momentum: European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen has confirmed the Commission will present its long-anticipated Fertiliser Action Plan on May 19, focused not only on short-term crisis support, but also on structural measures to reduce EU dependency on imported fertilizers.
This reinforces the broader investment case for agriculture: despite short-term input volatility, the sector remains strategically protected, politically supported, and well positioned as a resilient diversification asset.