️ The Competition Committee of Uzbekistan has imposed fines on 11 out of 12 compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations in the Payariq district of Samarkand region for colluding to raise prices. The action followed complaints from local residents about unjustified price hikes.

️ An investigation revealed that on January 5, the 11 stations simultaneously increased the price of compressed natural gas by an average of 300 soums per cubic meter. The stations are owned by eight limited liability companies: Temur-Bek, Sadaf Agro Servis, Raqobat Eco Gaz Servis, Jahongir Prestij, Xudoyberdi Ramziddin Avtogaz, Amirxon Gaz Servis, Al-Asadbek Gaz Petrol Invest, and Bahrin Gaz Oil.

️ In neighboring districts, gas prices remained stable during the same period, highlighting the coordinated nature of the price increase in Payariq.

️ The Competition Committee's special commission initiated cases against the businesses under Article 19 of the Law on Competition, which prohibits anti-competitive concerted actions. Following the review, financial penalties were imposed in accordance with the law.

️ The committee also issued binding orders to eliminate the violations and prevent their recurrence in the future.

Source: kun.uz