Italian MEP Paolo Inselvini (ECR) has raised concerns over potential distortions of competition in the EU petroleum market, questioning whether recent fuel price increases are justified by global crude oil benchmarks or reflect anti-competitive practices. The move targets the European Commission, urging it to investigate margins along the supply chain and enhance transparency for consumers and businesses.
In a written parliamentary question submitted on 9 April 2026, Inselvini points to data from the Commission's Oil Bulletin and ARA refined product benchmarks, which suggest that retail fuel prices in some Member States have risen more sharply than international crude oil prices. He argues that any asymmetrical price transmission or abnormal margins could harm consumers and businesses, violating EU competition rules (Articles 101 and 102 TFEU) and the REMIT regulation on market manipulation.
first, whether the Commission has up-to-date analyses of margin evolution throughout the oil supply chain; second, whether it would launch checks or investigations via the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national competition authorities to identify speculation or anti-competitive practices; and third, what measures it will take to increase transparency and price monitoring across the fuel supply chain.
Inselvini's policy orientation leans toward stronger regulatory oversight and consumer protection, potentially increasing the role of EU bodies like ACER in monitoring fuel markets. This could create trade-offs between market liberalization and intervention, with implications for oil companies, refiners, and distributors who may face new compliance costs, while consumers could benefit from fairer pricing.
The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it sees a need for further investigation or regulatory tightening, and may indicate the direction of future EU energy market policy.
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