Fuel prices have been a focus of the AFCA for years
The fuel market is not a new area of activity for the AFCA. In recent years, the authority has repeatedly investigated how competition functions in the fuel market.
In view of the sharp price increases in 2022, the AFCA launched a comprehensive sector inquiry into the Austrian fuel market. The inquiry found no direct indications of cartels or abuse of market power. However, it established that price fluctuations caused by geopolitical factors occur particularly at refinery level. This is especially true during periods of geopolitical price disruption caused by crises affecting global commodity markets.
The inquiry also found that price quotations were key drivers of prices in the Austrian fuel market. This issue needs to be addressed at European level. The findings of this sector inquiry remain valid.
Regional price differences investigated in Lungau
The AFCA also investigated regional anomalies. One example was the extensive investigation into the petrol station market in Lungau following specific complaints. The findings were published in March 2025.
The investigation was prompted by diesel and petrol prices in the district of Tamsweg having been higher than those in neighbouring districts for several years. The AFCA subsequently conducted investigations covering, among other things, market position, purchase prices, selling prices, margins, supply relationships and sales volumes.
The investigations found no indications of price-fixing agreements or abuse of a dominant market position. However, not all petrol station operators were complying with their statutory price reporting obligations.
Price transparency can strengthen competition
A comparatively inexpensive petrol station in Lungau had initially failed to report its price changes to E-Control. From the end of November 2023, following a notification from the AFCA, it resumed reporting its prices. As a result, its lower diesel price became visible in the fuel price comparison tool (Spritpreisrechner) and to other petrol stations. The AFCA subsequently observed a noticeable decline in average diesel prices in Lungau relative to neighbouring districts.
At the same time, the frequency of price changes increased significantly. Before the station resumed reporting, petrol stations that complied with the reporting requirements reported an average of approximately 26 diesel price changes per month per station. In 2024, this figure rose to more than 50 price changes per month. The AFCA considers this an indication that greater transparency can intensify competitive dynamics and exert downward pressure on prices.
Information from the market is important
The AFCA is a competition authority tasked with ensuring that competition functions effectively. The authority has no influence over price developments caused by crises. Nor can it order that changes in crude oil, refinery or wholesale prices be passed on automatically to end customers at the same speed and to the same extent.
The district administrative authorities in Austria's federal provinces are responsible for price monitoring and on-site price inspections, as well as for pursuing cases where reductions in taxes and duties have not been passed on. The AFCA provides various contact options for reporting suspected competition infringements. Complaints can be submitted directly to the AFCA. In addition, the AFCA's whistleblowing system allows information to be submitted confidentially and anonymously.
Current powers of the AFCA
At present, where structural competition problems cannot be attributed to a specific infringement of competition law, the AFCA can, following a sector inquiry, issue recommendations aimed at improving the competitive situation. Unlike competition authorities in some other European countries, it currently has no power to order targeted remedies to eliminate such distortions of competition.
The government programme provides for a corresponding strengthening of the AFCA's powers.
Regional differences in procurement and supply
Differences in procurement and supply structures must also be taken into account when assessing regional price differences. In its opinion on the Federal Government's regulation limiting fuel margins, the AFCA pointed out that fuel is sourced partly from abroad, particularly in western Austria. Differences in purchase prices, transport routes and sources of supply can therefore affect prices at petrol stations.
AFCA opinion (only in German available)
Fuel price tracker
Since May 2026, the AFCA has published a weekly fuel price tracker. It is based on microdata from E-Control's fuel price database and data from the European Commission's Weekly Oil Bulletin.
AFCA fuel price tracker (only in German available)
Price transparency: Clear statutory responsibilities
Petrol station operators are required to report their displayed prices for diesel and 95-octane premium petrol electronically to E-Control's price transparency database. As a general rule, price changes must be reported within half an hour at the latest. If a new fuel price is set at 12 noon, it must be reported immediately.
This reporting obligation provides an important basis for up-to-date price comparisons and contributes to transparency and competition in the fuel market.
The respective district administrative authorities or municipal authorities in the federal provinces are responsible for pursuing breaches of the reporting obligation. Breaches of the relevant provisions of the Price Transparency Act may be punished by an administrative fine of up to EUR 2,180, or up to EUR 7,260 in the event of a repeated infringement.
Information about suspected infringements involving cartel agreements or abuse of market power can be submitted to the AFCA at any time.