Bulgarian competition watchdog raids OMV offices in fuel pricing probe

SOFIA, April 25 (Reuters) - Bulgaria's competition regulator said on Monday it had raided the offices of the local subsidiary of Austrian oil group OMV (EUREX: 430021.EX - news) as part of its investigation into possible cartel agreements.

Bulgarians complain of high fuel costs despite a plunge in global oil prices and a call by Prime Minister Boiko Borisov for the competition authority to speed up its market investigation.

The Commission for Protection of Competition said in a statement its staff were carrying out a spot inspection at the offices of OMV Bulgaria.

In February the watchdog opened an inquiry covering seven fuel retailers over possible price-fixing and into Lukoil (Other OTC: LUKOF - news) 's Bulgarian oil refinery for possible abuse of its dominant market position.

OMV was not immediately available for comment, but the Bulgarian Petrol and Gas Association, which represents all the investigated companies, has said there are no cartel agreements between any of its members.

The commission had already raided the Bulgarian offices of Lukoil Bulgaria, Royal Dutch Shell (Xetra: A0ET6Q - news) , Rompetrol and Hellenic Petroleum (LSE: 0K9U.L - news) earlier this month.

Nis Petrol, controlled by Russia's Gazprom Neft and Bulgarian Petrol are also being investigated.

The anti-monopoly commission's spokesman said more spot checks may be made.

(Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova; Editing by Greg Mahlich)