In the autumn of 2022, the Competition Authority commenced a comprehensive mapping of the retail and wholesale competition situation in the motor fuel market.
The aim of the study is to better understand the functioning of these markets, including identifying possible distortions of competition and, where appropriate, providing pro-competitive measures. This is an economic analysis that is not directly intended to identify possible violations of law.
To conduct the survey, nine major retailers and wholesalers were sent extensive questionnaires.
During 2023, the Competition Authority collected the necessary information from all major market participants. In addition to the initial survey, the Authority has asked undertakings to send additional data. We have also been in contact with other important entities such as the Environmental Board, Elering, the Tax and Customs Board and the Ministry of Climate.
To date, the Competition Authority has carried out an extensive analysis of the fuel market in various areas. We focused on five major topics: retail, wholesale, biofuel, fuel supply and alternative fuels. The main types of fuel we examined were petrol 95, petrol 98 and diesel. We compared the Estonian market with other EU countries as well as Estonian undertakings with each other.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the price analysis. As a result of the extensive data, the Competition Authority was able to analyse price behaviour on the Estonian market, both as a result of external factors (world market prices) and domestic factors (behaviour of competitors).
The final report was completed in the first half of 2024.