The decision of regulating gasoline and diesel pricing with the introduction of ceiling prices, which was taken by Turkey's Energy Market Regulatory Authority, is an unlawful interference, said Turkish Gas Stations, Oil and Gas Company Employers' Union on Friday.
According to the Union's statement, the latest decision may put the gas stations in a disadvantageous position by limiting their flexibility to respond market fluctuations.
"EMRA's final decision will not contribute to free market. On the contrary, EMRA's decision will make it difficult to survive for the stations and companies in the fuel-oil market," the union said.
EMRA said in a press release on Thursday that in order to regulate gasoline and diesel oil pricing, "ceiling prices" would be applied to protect consumers and to regulate profit margins of fuel distributors and dealers in Turkey.
EMRA will monitor the compliance of the new ceiling price rule with a new methodology for profit margins in accordance with European market pricing. The new methodology came into effect on Nov. 7, 2014.
By Murat Temizer
Anadolu Agency