Fuel consumption Is rising rapidly In East Europe.

MarketLine International Inc., a division of New York-based global market research firm Data Monitor, reports that at least 15 major international oil companies are looking to expand their retail products markets in Eastern European countries.

Although Exxon Corp. last opened its first western-style service station in Budapest 8 years ago, Shell has focused on developing markets in Poland. Currently, Shell has 339 sites in the region, giving it the largest service station network in Poland, MarketLine analysts say

Eastern European consumers can be cheered by interest in their region. Fuel prices, which have been at historical highs there, are expected to fall significantly as competition among retailers takes hold, says MarketLine.

Major oil companies looking to expand their market share in Eastern Europe are Neste Oy, British Petroleum plc/Mobil Corp., Conoco Inc., Agip-Petroli SpA, Statoil, Aral …