Polish citizens fear rising food and utility prices more than military attack

The primary source of anxiety for the population of Poland proved to be economic rather than security-related factors. According to sociological research data, residents of the country fear the rising cost of food and utility services significantly more than a possible direct military attack on their state.

Methodology and dates of the study

The results of the survey conducted by United Surveys by IBRiS on behalf of Wirtualna Polska were published on 17 October 2026. Data collection took place from 2 to 4 October 2026. The study involved 1,000 respondents.

Participants were asked which threats they feared most over the next six months. Each respondent had the opportunity to select up to three answer options, so the total sum of percentages exceeds 100%.

Economic risks in first place

The most common fear was the possible price increase of food and other everyday consumer goods — as 40.7% of those surveyed answered. In second place were high heating and electricity bills, which worried 39.2% of respondents.

The third spot in the ranking was taken by problems with access to medical care, which were noted by 34.3% of the study participants.

Among other significant threats, Poles highlighted:

• sabotage and diversionary attacks — 29.7%;
• rising fuel prices — 26.7%;
• cyberattacks and data leaks — 26.4%;
• political conflicts — 23.2%.

Security and social risks

A possible military attack on Poland is feared by 19.1% of those surveyed. The fear of losing a job or suffering a reduction in income was shared by 17.1% of the survey participants. Natural disasters became the least common fear among the proposed options — they were mentioned by 7.2% of respondents.

It is worth noting that these figures do not indicate societal indifference to security issues. In particular, almost 30% of citizens expressed concern over possible sabotage and diversionary attacks. This indicator is noticeably higher than the percentage of those who fear a direct military attack.

Researchers emphasise that the obtained results reflect the personal fears of respondents, not the objective probability of the listed threats occurring.