Aircraft fuel supplier Air BP Romania, the domestic arm of Europe's largest petroleum group, British Petroleum, posted turnover worth about 132m RON (36.4m euros), and losses amounting to 3.5 million RON (approximately 1 million euros), at the end of last year.

Air BP officials would not comment on this information by edition close.

British Petroleum entered this sector of the domestic market in 1999, and aircraft fuel supply remains the company's sole business interest in Romania.

In contrast, British-Dutch group Shell entered the market by developing a large network of petrol stations, as well as supplying fuel and lubricants to airlines.

Earlier this year, Air BP sealed a contract with Romanian airline Tarom to supply their Henri Coanda (Otopeni) and Aurel Vlaicu (Baneasa) fleets with 50% of the necessary fuel.

The contract has been analysed by the Competition Council, which had to determine whether such a deal would affect in any way the competition on this segment.

According to the latest available information, the Competition Council is still debating this contract.

Air BP Romania competes with three other major players on this market, which is valued at 60 million euros, according to the latest estimates.

The market leader is Petrom Aviation, holding a 38% market share. Air BP controls approximately 30% of the market, Air Total holds 20%, and the remainder is held by MOL Aviation which has a 12% share. The Hungarian petroleum group took over the entire Shell network more than a year ago, with the aircraft fuel supply division included in a transaction estimated at more than 70 million euros.

The fuel sales sector is one of the most competitive segments of the energy market, as both domestic and international companies battle for a market share. Aircraft fuel supplier Air BP Romania, the domestic arm of Euro