11 August 2025 – Latvia’s Competition Council (KP) has cleared Circle K Latvia’s acquisition of 26 Astarte-Nafta fuel stations, subject to binding conditions aimed at addressing competition concerns in the town of Dobele.
While the KP found no significant competition issues in most affected areas, it concluded that in Dobele, Circle K’s market share in both retail diesel and petrol sales would rise substantially, given the presence of an existing Circle K-branded franchise station. Economic modelling, including UPP and GUPPI tests, indicated a likely incentive to raise prices—particularly for petrol—if no remedies were imposed.
To secure approval, Circle K agreed to operate the acquired Dobele station as an automatic (self-service) outlet, which typically offers lower fuel prices than full-service stations. The KP determined that this commitment would remove the identified risk of higher prices and negative effects on competition.
The merger covers Astarte-Nafta’s retail and wholesale fuel operations across Latvia, along with associated services such as autogas, convenience products, and hot food and beverages.
