AN ANTIMONOPOLY CASE HAS BEEN INITIATED AGAINST WHOLESALE SUGAR SUPPLIERS IN THE KEMEROVO REGION

In connection with numerous appeals from citizens, FAS of Kemerovo region, together with the prosecutor's office, checked the work of distribution centers of a number of enterprises in the sugar market.

During the inspection, it was found that wholesale companies shipped sugar to retail stores, wholesalers and manufacturing enterprises at inflated prices. In some cases, the margin increased from 9.5% in February to 54% in March. At the same time, there were no objective reasons for such an increase in prices.

The legislation does not prohibit enterprises from changing their own pricing policy taking into account the market situation. However, according to the Law on Protection of Competition, agreements between competitors are prohibited if they can lead to the establishment or maintenance of prices.

Taking into account the revealed facts, the Kemerovo UFAS initiated an antimonopoly case against the enterprises. In case of establishing a liability in accordance with the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, they will face turnover fines.

* Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Article 11 of Federal Law № 135-FZ of 26.07.2006 “On Protection of Competition”