Sofia  - The Bulgarian fuel retailer Petrol would become the Balkan country's fourth mobile phone operator this week, it said in a statement Monday.

The Petrol mobile service, which the company would run alongside its core business of operating petrol stations, is set to launch on Wednesday.

Using the network of the largest operator, M-Tel, Petrol would offer pre-paid packages for the low-income segment of the market - students, pensioners and the economically challenged.

Also offering mobile phone services to the 7.6 million Bulgarians are companies Global and VivaTel. The overall market coverage is estimated at 130 per cent, as many use several numbers or operators. (dpa)