Bulgarian regulator probes Lukoil fuel pricing

The Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has requested detailed data from Lukoil Bulgaria EOOD and Lukoil Neftohim Burgas AD regarding the formation of wholesale prices for gasoline and diesel. This preliminary investigation, conducted under the Law on Protection of Competition, aims to examine the entire pricing chain, from crude oil delivery and production costs to the final wholesale prices offered in the Bulgarian market.

The CPC cited ongoing market monitoring, received signals, and the international situation affecting European and Bulgarian fuel markets as reasons for the inquiry. The companies are required to provide information concerning deliveries, costs, and the specific economic components used to determine prices for the period between May 1 and September 28, 2026. Additionally, the regulator requested the methodology used to calculate cost prices.

The companies have seven days to submit the requested data. Following the analysis, the CPC will evaluate the relationship between raw material prices, production costs, and wholesale fuel prices to determine if further actions are necessary under competition law. This probe builds upon a previous market study from May, which resulted in the CPC proposing a package of 23 anti-crisis measures.