EU fuel prices and possible distortions of competition in the petroleum products market

Question for written answer E-001448/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Inselvini (ECR)

In recent weeks, a number of Member States have experienced a surge in fuel retail prices, which in some cases appears to be more pronounced than the rise in international crude oil prices. Data published in the Commission's weekly Oil Bulletin, together with the ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) refined product benchmarks, point to a non-linear pass-through of Brent oil price changes throughout the refining and distribution chain at times.

The EU fuel market is subject to the competition rules laid down in Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, and to the energy market monitoring framework provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1227/2011 (REMIT), aimed at preventing market manipulation and abuse of information. Consequently, any asymmetrical price transmission or abnormal margins could create distortions that harm consumers and businesses.

In view of the above:

• 1.Does the Commission have up-to-date analyses of how margins have evolved throughout the oil supply chain and the extent to which current prices are consistent with global benchmarks?
• 2.Does it believe that it would be appropriate to launch checks or investigations, including through the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators and the national competition authorities, to identify any speculation or anti-competitive practices?
• 3.What measures will it take to increase transparency and price monitoring throughout the fuel supply chain in the EU?

Submitted: 9.4.2026