Athens, July 9, 2025 — The Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) has unveiled a sweeping set of proposed regulatory measures for Greece’s petroleum sector, following its in-depth investigation into competition conditions across the supply chain—from refining to retail. The proposals, outlined in the Commission’s Second Opinion Report, mark the latest phase in the country’s first-ever Regulatory Intervention in a Sector of the Economy under Article 11 of Law 3959/2011.
The investigation targets three major petroleum products: 95-octane unleaded gasoline, diesel, and heating oil, with a focus on structural and behavioral barriers to effective competition.
The newly published report, which is now open for public consultation until September 26, 2025, follows an earlier Initial Views Report released in August 2024 and a subsequent Technical Annex addressing econometric models and pricing asymmetries.
Key Proposed Measures
A. Establishment of a Central Stockpile Maintenance Agency (CSMA)
To remove a major barrier to imports by non-integrated trading companies, the Commission proposes creating an independent Central Stock Keeping Agency, supervised by RAEH. This body would centrally manage safety stock obligations, currently a significant burden that disadvantages smaller market entrants and discourages imports. By pooling obligations and costs, the CSMA would level the playing field and intensify competition in refining.
B. Institutional Mapping and Supervision of Storage Infrastructure
The Commission calls for a comprehensive national registry of fuel storage facilities, including unused and underutilized spaces. This measure aims to improve planning and enhance access to infrastructure for independent importers, reducing dependence on dominant players.
C. Abolition of Exclusivity Clauses in Storage Contracts
The HCC proposes banning exclusivity clauses in storage agreements, which currently enable vertically integrated refiners to lock in third-party facilities and block competitors. The Commission argues that such clauses are neither necessary nor proportionate and hinder rational use of infrastructure.
D. Reduced Price Transparency in Refining to Prevent Tacit Collusion
In a reversal of usual competition policy, the Commission recommends reducing public price transparency at the refining level. Currently, daily prices are posted online, potentially enabling parallel pricing and facilitating tacit collusion among refiners. Under the proposal, price notifications would be limited to private communications with trading companies.
E. Increased Price Transparency for Consumers at the Retail Level
At the same time, the HCC seeks to boost transparency at the pump. It recommends developing a real-time mobile app—an evolution of the existing Price Observatory—to display fuel prices by station and location. Gas station operators would be required to update prices in real time, enabling consumers to find the cheapest nearby options, especially along highways. This measure aims to stimulate price competition at the retail and wholesale level.
Public Participation Encouraged
The Commission invites all stakeholders, including consumers, market participants, and civil society, to participate in the public consultation. Submissions are to be made in editable electronic format to fuels@epant.gr by September 26, 2025.
