FAS STRENGTHENS CONTROL OVER RETAIL CHAINS IN THE REGIONS

The relevant order was sent by the Authority to its regional offices based on the results of the analysis of information on the shares of networks selling food products

The analysis showed that dominant position in the food retail market is occupied by a minimum number of chains. In 7.37% of municipal districts and urban districts*, 27 retail chains were recorded, occupying shares of more than 35% of the volume of all food products sold in monetary terms for 2022.

The analysis allowed the Authority to identify chains for which it is necessary to strengthen control both in accordance with the Law on Protection of Competition regarding the prohibition of abuse of a dominant position**, and for the prohibition provided by the Law on Trade on the purchase or lease of additional retail space***.

If violations are detected, FAS Russia will apply response measures from warnings to the initiation of antimonopoly cases.

At the same time, competition is retained in the retail market, new forms of trade are developing, including on the basis of digital platforms. In addition, in order to reduce the cost and increase the availability of socially significant goods, previously some dominant retail chains voluntarily limited margins on a number of products. Currently, FAS Russia has invited the rest of the federal and regional retail chains to join voluntary commitments.

Reference:

*171 municipal districts and city districts out of 2320.

** Part 1 of the Article 10 of the Federal Law of July 26, 2006 No. 135-FZ "On Protection of Competition".

*** Part 1 of the Article 14 of the Federal Law of December 28, 2009 No. 381-FZ "On the Basics of State Regulation of Trading Activities in the Russian Federation".