Recently, there has been considerable discussion about the price increases for various types of goods and services.
On this occasion, the Competition Authority wishes to emphasise that discussions and the exchange of information between competitors regarding prices, price expectations or intentions to change prices can distort competition and harm the interests of consumers. The same can apply to discussions in a public forum if company representatives, for example, provide detailed information about planned price increases or declare an intention to raise prices. Such coverage can therefore be liable to encourage competitors in the market to raise prices and contribute to an unlawful concerted practice.
Likewise, discussion of this kind on the platform of business associations may contravene competition law, which prohibits business associations from agreeing on restrictive practices or encouraging barriers that are prohibited under the law. The prohibition of collusion under competition law means that companies must, in all respects, independently decide how they behave in the market and how they price their products and services. Business associations must in no way undermine the independence of their members, for example by encouraging or justifying price increases.
In this light, the Competition Authority considers it extremely important that representatives of companies and business associations take particular care to ensure that any public statements they make do not constitute a direct or indirect encouragement of price increases in the relevant market. Such conduct is liable to cause harm to consumers and business life.
For the above reasons, the Competition Authority will be closely monitoring public statements by companies and business associations regarding price increases. Furthermore, companies and individuals are advised that it is possible to submit information. suggestions These matters are communicated via the Competition Authority's website.
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