The Commission on Protection of Competition (CPC) has cleared the acquisition of seven filling stations by NIS Petrol EOOD, a company owned by Russian energy giant Gazprom.

The sites are located in Smolyan, Kardzhali, Asenovgrad, Blagoevgrad, and the villages of Ledenik and Pavolche.

One month ago, the anti-trust watchdog allowed NIS Petrol EOOD to acquire another seven sites.

According to CPC's statement, the company is a new player on the fuel retail market in Bulgaria and is unlikely to develop a dominant position that could distort competition, given the small market share it occupies.

To prove the point, CPC mentions the presence of several major chains of filling stations which enjoy a loyal customer base and a good reputation and are competing effectively among themselves.

The anti-trust watchdog further adds that none of the players on the market has voiced concerns about a negative impact of the transaction on the competitive environment in the sector.