The Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has approved two concentrations in the retail fuel sector, concluding that neither transaction would significantly impede competition in the national or regional markets.
The first case (File CPC-631/2025) concerns Eco Bulgaria EAD, a nationally represented fuel retailer with outlets in major cities and along key roadways. The company has obtained control over two fuel stations in Botevgrad and Pirdop through long-term lease agreements. As Eco Bulgaria had no prior operations in these areas, the CPC determined the transaction would not materially alter the competitive environment locally.
The Commission also noted that Eco Bulgaria’s combined market share in the Sofia region—both overall and by fuel type—remains insufficient to raise dominance concerns. In the vertically integrated wholesale fuel market, where only Eco Bulgaria is active, the regulator found the company’s share negligible, ruling out risks of foreclosure or barriers to entry for actual and potential competitors.
The second case (File CPC-690/2025) involved Uni Energy’s acquisition of sole control over Nis Petrol EOOD. The CPC concluded that the combined market share of the two companies is minimal and does not approach thresholds that could impede effective competition. With a large number of active competitors nationally and regionally, the authority found strong ongoing competitive pressure in the retail market.
The CPC also determined that Nis Petrol’s warehouse capacity is limited, used solely for internal logistics, and insignificant compared with other market participants. Its share in fuel storage, production, import, and wholesale markets was also deemed negligible, further supporting the conclusion that the deal will not restrict market access for rivals.
