The Federal Cartel Office is facing legal resistance during its investigation into sharply rising fuel prices. According to reports, two mineral oil conglomerates have challenged the competition authority’s demands for information before the Regional Court in Düsseldorf. The agency is attempting to compel refinery owners to provide detailed calculation data to determine if the companies leveraged the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East for unauthorized profit maximization.
A spokesperson for the Federal Cartel Office confirmed to the press that proceedings are currently underway against all twelve owners of German refineries, and corresponding information disclosure demands have been issued. Both companies are now appealing against these obligations through emergency court proceedings. For reasons of legal confidentiality, the agency did not disclose the names of the involved corporations.
One of the companies has also applied for an injunction to enforce the immediate effect of their complaint. Their reasoning includes the claim that the enormous volume of data required-covering wholesale oil pricing, transport costs, and manufacturing processes-cannot be compiled within the specified timeframe. It remains unclear when the court will issue a ruling.
Federal Minister of Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche (CDU), stated that the Federal Cartel Office needs to obtain the necessary market information promptly to protect consumers. She also pointed to the amendment of the German Act against Restraints of Competition (GWB), adopted by the cabinet in July, which is expected to further simplify environmental inquiries into the fuel sector in the future. However, the review of the calculation models by the competition watchdog is currently stalled pending a judicial decision.
