-- Spanish refined fuels wholesaler Hatta Energy reportedly accused Repsol (REP.MC), BP (BP.L) and Moeve of engaging in "coordinated corporate behaviors" that hamper competition in Spain's hydrocarbon wholesale distribution market.
In its complaint filed with the European Commission's competition watchdog, as reported by Bloomberg News on Friday, Hatta alleged that the companies, with government support, are setting up a "de facto cartel" through regulatory and logistical barriers and refusal to supply the wholesaler with fuel.
The complaint, which also named national fuel logistics infrastructure operator Exolum and the Spanish state, claimed that Hatta has not received the "reliable operator" classification that exempts it from a special tax payment.
BP, Repsol and Moeve did not immediately respond to requests for comment from.
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