In Kazakhstan, 180 gas selling companies were suspected of price collusion – RBK

Kazakhstan launched an investigation into possible price collusion in relation to 180 companies

Two days ago, an investigation was reported against six companies, now their number has grown to 180. They are suspected of price collusion in setting the cost of fuel, in particular, liquefied gas

The Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition of Kazakhstan has launched an antitrust investigation against 180 companies that retail liquefied gas, it says on the agency’s website.

They are suspected of price collusion when setting the cost of liquefied gas, which is the main fuel for light vehicles. Most of the companies that fell under suspicion are located in the Mangistau region (85), where the first protests began. Another 22 companies are located in Atyrau and Akmola regions, 14 – in Karaganda, 12 – in Kyzylorda.

For example, the antimonopoly authorities identified four companies in the North Kazakhstan region, which, having agreed, in April increased the gas price by 5.3% compared to March, while when selling gas on the electronic trading platform, the price grew only by 1, 6%.

The preliminary results of the investigation will be formulated within 20 days.

In addition, the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition issued 31 notifications of violations of antimonopoly legislation in the actions of market participants.