Stalexport Autostrady SA seeks toll increase on A4 Katowice–Kraków section

Stalexport Autostrady SA, the Warsaw‑stock‑listed operator of the Katowice–Kraków segment of the A4 motorway, has formally submitted a request to the General Directorate of National Roads and Motorways for an adjustment of toll tariffs effective 1 April 2026. The company, which manages a critical 90‑kilometre stretch of Poland’s busiest east‑west corridor, argues that escalating maintenance costs and recent capital investment requirements justify a modest yet necessary rise in user charges.

Key points of the proposal

  • Current tariff – Private‑passenger vehicles pay PLN 17 per gate, amounting to PLN 34 for the full segment.
  • Proposed tariff – The company seeks an increase to PLN 18 per gate (PLN 36 total) for the same route.
  • Justification – The appeal cites “rising maintenance costs and investment outlays” as the primary drivers behind the adjustment.
  • Timing – The new rates would take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal quarter, aligning with the company’s financial planning cycle.

Context within the transport‑infrastructure sector

Stalexport operates not only motorways but also roads, railways, office and parking real estate, and offers management and advisory services. Its 2026‑01‑27 market‑closing price of PLN 2.84 sits below the 52‑week low of PLN 2.75, while the 52‑week high reached PLN 3.91 in March 2025. With a market capitalization of approximately PLN 712 million and a price‑earnings ratio of 6.16, the firm remains a modest‑cap, value‑oriented player in the Polish industrial sector.

The proposed toll increment aligns with broader trends in infrastructure operators seeking to balance revenue generation with public service obligations. In an environment where road‑network upkeep demands continual investment, Stalexport’s appeal reflects a proactive stance on financial sustainability.

Implications for stakeholders

  • Commuters and freight operators – The PLN 2 per vehicle increase may translate to a small percentage rise in operating costs, particularly for logistics firms that rely heavily on the Katowice–Kraków corridor.
  • Investors – A successful tariff adjustment could improve cash flow forecasts, potentially supporting future dividend policy or debt servicing plans.
  • Regulatory authorities – The General Directorate will weigh the company’s cost arguments against public interest considerations, setting a precedent for other motorway concessionaires.

In sum, Stalexport Autostrady SA’s bid to lift tolls underscores its commitment to maintaining infrastructure quality while navigating the fiscal realities of Poland’s transportation landscape. The outcome of the Directorate’s decision will shape the financial trajectory of the company and the operational cost structure of the country’s most frequented motorway segment.