Latvia's Competition Council (KP) has granted permission for SIA 'BALTIC GROUND SERVICES LV' to acquire decisive influence over 'Gulfstream Oil' SIA, both involved in aviation fuel trading and supply at Riga International Airport.

The companies' activities overlap in the JET A-1 aviation fuel market segment directly serving aircraft at Riga International Airport.

Through economic forecasting and scenario modeling, the KP concluded that the merger would result in less harm or even benefits to the competitive landscape compared to if the merger did not take place.

While approving the merger, the KP will monitor further developments to prevent anti-competitive practices, such as covert coordination, among aviation fuel suppliers.

Approval from the Competition Council is required for merger transactions meeting the criteria set out in the Competition Law to prevent significant reductions in competition that could limit consumer choice or lead to purchasing goods and services at non-competitive prices.