German Antitrust Authority Investigates Potential Competition Issues in Fuel Wholesale Market

The Bundeskartellamt is examining structural problems in the fuel wholesale sector, focusing on the role of price information services.

The Bundeskartellamt has launched an investigation into possible structural disruptions in competition within Germany's fuel wholesale market.
This marks the first use of a new regulatory tool introduced in 2023, allowing action against structural market issues without requiring evidence of specific legal violations by companies.
The investigation centers on price information services, which the authority believes could increase risks of collusion and price manipulation in the market.
Two major providers of price data, Argus Media and S&P Global, are under scrutiny for their influence on wholesale fuel pricing mechanisms.
The authority aims to determine if long-term structural problems exist and, if confirmed, plans to implement measures to restore competitive conditions.