gas Stations Brace for Shift as October 6 Changes Take Effect, experts Cite Psychological Pricing Threshold
WARSAW – Polish gas stations began implementing changes on October 6 impacting fuel pricing displays, a move experts say is designed to navigate a key psychological barrier for consumers. The alterations involve removing the last digits from price boards – displaying 5.99 zł rather of 5.999 zł, for example – a practice intended to create the perception of lower costs.
The shift comes as fuel prices remain volatile, impacting household budgets and transportation costs nationwide. While the actual price difference may be minimal, behavioral economists suggest rounding down prices can significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions. This tactic aims to counteract potential negative reactions to prices nearing whole numbers,potentially boosting sales volume for gas stations. The changes are being implemented across networks including, but not limited to, those reported by Interia.pl.
The move is a response to market dynamics and consumer psychology, according to industry analysts. The practice of displaying prices to three decimal places, while technically accurate, can create a sense of higher costs, even if the difference is fractions of a zloty. By simplifying the display,gas stations hope to present a more appealing price point and maintain customer traffic.
