Germany's Antitrust Authority Highlights Oil Market Pricing Concerns

The Federal Cartel Office of Germany has reported notable concerns regarding pricing competition within the country's oil market. An inquiry initiated in 2022 revealed competitive risks associated with price quotations that influence the entire oil industry's value chain. The investigation found that these quotations are often based on limited data and dominated by a few participants, raising concerns about potential price manipulation. In response, the agency recommends implementing stricter regulations to enhance transparency and protect against such manipulation. Additionally, the authority expressed concerns over the increased frequency of petrol station price changes, which complicates price transparency for consumers.