The importance of the petroleum products sector in the Republic of Moldova is undeniable, both economically and socially, given that these products are used for both final and intermediate consumption. Thus, any change in the price of petrol, diesel or liquefied gas has a double impact, both on the population buying directly at the pump, whose household budgets are affected, and on economic agents and, in particular, on prod

The Independent Think Tank EXPERT-GRUP organised a round table to present the study “Moldova's Petroleum Products Market: Analysis of Regulation, Competition and Prices”. The study was carried out because of shortcomings that have emerged in the aforementioned sector. In the Republic of Moldova, the state of the competitive framework, the way local prices adjust to external fluctuations, and the effectiveness of the regulatory framework for the petroleum products sector have often been the subject of much debate. Thus, the round table answered the most burning questions about the petroleum sector: “How fair are fuel prices?”, “Is the level of market concentration acceptable, and what is the likelihood of cartel agreements?”, “How effective is the regulatory framework in ensuring fair competition, protecting consumers and setting prices?” “What are the reasons for the shortcomings of the competitive framework on the Moldovan petroleum products market?”

Accordingly, the study provided answers to the most important questions concerning the quality of competition, the effectiveness of the regulatory framework and the justification of prices for the main petroleum products, based on quantitative (mathematical and econometric) and qualitative estimates. The study also included a comparative analysis in order to understand as objectively as possible the situation in the sector in relation to other countries in the region. At the same time, the major problems specific to the analysed sector were identified and, depending on these, a set of relevant policy recommendations was presented.

The round table was attended by experts, representatives of petroleum companies, public institutions, the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, specialised NGOs, and journalists.

The round table took place in the conference hall of the Jolly Alon hotel (37 Maria Cebotari Street), at 10:00.

The event was organised by the Independent Think Tank EXPERT-GRUP within the Joint Programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union on supporting democracy in the Republic of Moldova.

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Moldova's Petroleum Products Market: Analysis of Regulation, Competition and Prices

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