Competition Council Seeks Clarifications from Petrotel, Lukoil, Nis Petrol on Fuel Margin Caps

Romania's Competition Council has concluded that major fuel retailers mostly followed commercial margin limits during the spring of 2026. Preliminary analysis indicates that reported margins for key companies did not exceed 2025 averages.

The council, however, is seeking additional details from Petrotel-Lukoil, Lukoil Romania, and Nis Petrol/Gazprom. These companies submitted incomplete or inconsistent data, prompting further scrutiny.

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We are constantly monitoring the fuel market, especially at a time when prices are high and consumers are naturally concerned. The data analyzed so far shows that the main operators on the market have respected the provisions regarding the capping of commercial margins. The analysis is ongoing and we will finalize it in the near future.

Bogdan Chirițoiu, president of the Competition Council, stated that the market is under constant monitoring, particularly given current high fuel prices and consumer worries. He confirmed that initial findings suggest compliance from most major operators.

The investigation covers the first period of margin capping in 2026, established by emergency ordinance. This law limited the average commercial margin for fuels to the 2025 annual average between April 1 and June 30. The council analyzed data from 824 economic operators involved in fuel production, import, distribution, and sales.

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For Petrotel-Lukoil, Lukoil Romania, and Nis Petrol/Gazprom, the Competition Council needs additional clarifications. Incomplete information or certain inconsistencies in the reported data were identified for these operators.