The competition watchdog has dismissed calls for an investigation into the possibility of a fuel cartel meant to stifle competition among suppliers, insisting it had no evidence warranting such action.
Suspicion of possible collusion was raised in the wake of the Competition Office’s decision in a case in which the owner of M&N Camilleri petrol station in Rabat revoked a diesel price cut after being pressured to do so by his supplier, San Lucian Oil Company Ltd, a member of the Falzon Group Holdings Ltd.
It also emerged that other station owners had complained with the same supplier about the Rabat fuel station owner’s decision to cut the selling price of diesel. The findings raised concerns among consumer bodies as well as market experts about the possibility of a cartel whereby all parties would agree to keep the same price.
Reacting to the findings, the Consumer Association had expressed its disappointment that the watchdog focused exclusively on this case, despite its request to look at the bigger picture. In his reaction to the ruling, Mario Camilleri, of M&N Camilleri petrol station, had told this newspaper that competition was being stifled by the fact that diesel suppliers were going by the prices set by the State-owned
In his reaction to the ruling, Mario Camilleri, of M&N Camilleri petrol station, had told this newspaper that competition was being stifled by the fact that diesel suppliers were going by the prices set by the State-owned Enemed. Mr Camilleri had called for a ban on such practice in a bid to have a liberalised market from which consumers would benefit.
Full Content: Times of Malta
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Plaintiffs Seek Communications In Antitrust Case Against Pioneer
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
UK Government Approves Vodafone-Hutchison Merger
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Senate Majority Leader Announces Plan for AI Regulation Framework
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
BBVA Initiates Aggressive Takeover Bid for Sabadell
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
TikTok to Label AI-Generated Content Amid Election Interference Concerns
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Ecosystems
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Mapping Antitrust onto Digital Ecosystems
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Ecosystems and Competition Law: A Law and Political Economy Approach
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Ecosystem Theories of Harm: What is Beyond the Buzzword?
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Open Ecosystems: Benefits, Challenges, and Implications for Antitrust
May 9, 2024 by
CPI