Customs Agency Head Hints at Existence of Fuel Cartel in Bulgaria

The head of the Bulgarian Customs Agency Vanyo Tanov hinted on Friday at the possible existence of price cartel between the petrol stations in the country.

According to Tanov, the price of a liter of petrol including excise duties and VAT was BGN 1.8, so the difference in the final prices found at petrol stations (BGN 2.20 on average) hinted of a cartel.

In his words, cartel was easily achievable as the large chains have reached an agreement between themselves, while the smaller retailers have accepted the conditions.

Tanov stated that the existence of the cartel was the cause for the continuing increase in the prices of fuels, while the price of oil on the global markets was falling.

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said that in the months when most travels occurred, there was less VAT being paid, he said in an interview for private NOVA TV on Friday.

Tanov noted that the large-scale inspections, which have been launched at petrol stations, revealed that many of the measurement systems have been manipulated and do not submit information to the National Revenue Agency (NAP).

The inspections have also uncovered additional illegal cisterns dug in the ground of some petrol stations.

Tanov added that there were also frauds with the quantity and quality of the fuels with turpentine, sulphur and other substances added to fuels.

At the regular meeting of the government on Wednesday, Borisov ordered the inspections and called for the imposition of stricter control on petrol stations.