Bulgaria’s competition authority has intensified its examination of the wholesale fuel market, requesting additional cost and pricing information from Lukoil Bulgaria and Lukoil Neftochim Burgas. The request is part of an ongoing probe into how changes in crude-oil prices, refinery costs and other inputs are reflected in wholesale petrol and diesel prices. The latest step extends a prior examination of Lukoil’s position in Bulgaria’s fuel sector rather than initiating a separate case.
Scope of the request on wholesale petrol and diesel prices
The investigation is focused on the transmission of underlying cost movements into wholesale pricing for petrol and diesel. It examines how movements in crude-oil prices and refinery costs correspond to changes in wholesale fuel prices. The regulator’s assessment also covers other inputs used in the pricing process.
The most recent information request covers the period from May 1 to Sept. 28, 2026. It requires detailed data covering deliveries, production expenses, and the individual components used to calculate wholesale prices. The companies are also expected to explain how costs are calculated and allocated.
Information submission timeline and review approach
Lukoil Bulgaria and Lukoil Neftochim Burgas have seven days to submit the requested information. The regulator plans to compare movements in underlying production costs with changes in wholesale prices. This comparison is intended to evaluate how quickly lower or higher input costs are transmitted to the Bulgarian market.
Context for regional fuel market pricing dynamics
The investigation is taking place at a sensitive moment for regional fuel markets. Refinery economics, crude-price volatility and changing supply routes continue to influence both retail and wholesale pricing. Against this backdrop, the authority’s request targets how cost developments are reflected in wholesale petrol and diesel prices.
