Rising energy prices and a dramatic increase in poverty in Poland since 2019
Since 2019, the financial situation of many Poles has significantly deteriorated, and the main reasons for this state of affairs were the COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly increasingcosts of energy, gas and heating. These costs, which hit entrepreneurs, affect the poorest families in Poland even more, increasing the level of poverty.
Extreme poverty in 2019 vs 2024
In2019, before the pandemic, approximately1.6 million peoplein Poland lived in extreme poverty, including410 thousand children. These were times of relative economic stability, although many Poles were already struggling with financial difficulties. Extreme poverty meant that these people did not have enough income to meet even the basic needs of life, such as food, housing and health care.
In2024, the number of people living in extreme poverty increased to 2.5 million, and over 521 thousand of them are children. This means an increase of over 110 thousand childrenin five years. The reasons for this increase include: pandemic, high inflation and sharp increases in energy prices, which significantly affected the poorest families.
Living below the social minimum – 2019 vs 2024
In2019,16.8 million Poleslived below the social minimum. This meant that their income was sufficient to meet basic life needs, such as food and shelter, but did not allow for full participation in social life. Pensioners constituted a significant part of this group, struggling with difficulties in maintaining a minimum standard of living.
In2024, the number of people living below the social minimum increased to 17.3 million. This increase is caused by the rising costs of living, including drastic increases in energy and heating prices, which have significantly reduced the standard of living of many Poles, especially the poorest. This phenomenon particularly affectsseniorswho live on the verge of the subsistence level and are often unable to cope with the rising costs.
How can you help?
Rising energy and heating costs are felt most severely by the poorest. In 2024, 521 thousand childrenlive in extreme poverty, and many of them are not provided with regular hot meals. If you are an individual, help in your own way - invite children from poor families for dinner. Such a simple gesture can significantly improve their everyday lives.
How can entrepreneurs support children and seniors?
As an entrepreneur, you can help on a larger scale. Contact a nearby school and ask if you can subsidize lunches for children from families in financial difficulties. Even a little help can improve the situation of children who struggle with lack of food, especially now, when energy costs and inflation have reduced the standard of living of the poorest.
Don't forget about the seniors
It is also worth remembering about ourseniors. Pensioners often will not ask for help, even if they are in a difficult situation. When you visit them, they may offer you lunch, even though they themselves struggle with little income. Invite them for meals, visit them regularly - small gestures can make a huge difference in their lives.
Axtora Energy understands that rising energy costs affect not only enterprises, but above allthe poorest Poles. Each of us can help - regardless of the scale, small gestures can make a big difference. Let's support those who are struggling with difficulties, whether by helping children, seniors, or by getting involved in the activities of local communities.
Read also: www.axtoraenergy.com/pages/pomoc-dla-osob-w-trudnej-sytuacji