Corn drying costs surge in Poland amid gas supply disruptions

Corn drying costs in Poland rose sharply in early November 2026 due to higher propane prices and supply disruptions. Some grain dryers have already suspended operations, while several grain collection points are limiting purchases of wet corn because of fuel shortages. The situation is complicating the harvest campaign and increasing the risk of crop losses, as wet grain requires timely drying to maintain its quality.

According to Polish farmers, propane cost around PLN 2.29/l excluding VAT on October 26, but prices rose to PLN 2.65/l in early November, reaching as much as PLN 3.20/l from some suppliers. The highest quoted prices were therefore almost 40% above late-October levels. By comparison, propane cost just PLN 1.40–1.45/l excluding VAT during the same period last year.

Rising fuel prices have directly increased farmers’ costs. At some farms and grain collection facilities, corn drying costs have climbed to PLN 90–105/t. Meanwhile, purchase prices for wet corn stood at approximately PLN 640–660/t in early November. Due to higher gas prices, some grain elevators are increasing moisture-related price deductions or temporarily suspending grain intake, putting additional pressure on the profitability of corn production.

Possible reasons for the propane supply disruptions include storms in the Baltic Sea that have complicated the unloading of gas-carrying vessels at Polish ports, as well as logistical constraints and insufficient fuel reserves during peak demand. According to farmers, some grain dryers have enough propane left for only one day of operation, while suppliers cannot always guarantee the timing of their next deliveries. Forced shutdowns increase the risks of deteriorating grain quality, additional storage costs and disruptions to commercial contracts.

On November 3, Poland’s National Council of Agricultural Chambers appealed to the Ministry of Energy to urgently ensure stable propane supplies for corn drying. The Ministry of Agriculture also referred the matter to the energy ministry. Meanwhile, Poland’s Government Strategic Reserves Agency reported that it had received no official reports of propane shortages on the national market. Nevertheless, Polish farmers continue to report localized fuel availability problems that could complicate the completion of the corn harvest.

Tags: corn, Poland, grain drying