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Fueling stations owned by Astarte-nafta in Latvia are now under the ownership of Circle K.

Circle K Latvia was granted authority by the Competition Council in late July to obtain controlling interest over 26 Astarte-nafta gas stations.

Circle K acquires Astarte-nafta's petrol stations in Latvia
Circle K acquires Astarte-nafta's petrol stations in Latvia

Fueling stations owned by Astarte-nafta in Latvia are now under the ownership of Circle K.

In the Latvian market, Circle K has announced plans to convert its recently acquired service station in Dobele into an automated service station. This move is a response to competition concerns identified by the Council, aimed at addressing potential price increase worries in the Dobele market.

The Council's investigation found that the merger of Circle K and Astarte-nafta, a fuel distribution company primarily based in Kosovo, would significantly increase Circle K's market share in the retail markets for diesel and petrol in Dobele. This merger has been deemed problematic in the Dobele market, with the merging parties likely to have an incentive to increase prices, particularly for petrol.

Circle K, a global leader in the convenience retailing industry, operates a network of 72 full-service and automated service stations across various regions. The automated service station concept is designed to offer lower fuel prices compared to full-service stations, making it an attractive solution to competition concerns.

Both Circle K and Astarte-nafta offer a wide range of additional goods and services, including autogas, fast food, hot drinks, and necessities. The conversion of the Dobele service station is expected to follow this model, providing a comprehensive offering to customers while maintaining competitive pricing.

Circle K has offered binding terms to convert the Dobele service station into an automated service station, demonstrating its commitment to addressing competition concerns and maintaining a fair market in Dobele. This move is a testament to Circle K's franchise companies in Latvia, which strive to provide high-quality services at affordable prices.

Astarte-Nafta, on the other hand, is a fuel distribution company with its fuel stations primarily located in major Kosovo cities such as Pristina, Prizren, and Peja. This merger would have significant implications for the fuel market in Latvia, making the conversion of the Dobele service station to an automated service station a crucial step in maintaining a competitive and fair market.

In conclusion, Circle K's decision to convert its Dobele service station to an automated service station is a proactive response to competition concerns identified by the Council. This move is expected to offer lower fuel prices compared to full-service stations, addressing potential price increase concerns in the Dobele market. The conversion is a significant step towards maintaining a competitive and fair market in Latvia.

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