The Special Commission of the Competition Committee of Uzbekistan has initiated a case against 31 entities accused of unjustifiably inflating starting prices and artificially limiting volumes in propane exchange trades during November-December 2025 and January 2026. According to the commission, these actions led to a sharp increase in propane prices, violating competition laws and adversely affecting consumers and the national economy.

Investigations revealed that 12 companies, including LLC "SHIRIN GAZ SERVIS," LLC "NASAF TAMINOT GAZ PRESS," and JSC "FRIDAY-EXSTRA," engaged in anti-competitive coordinated actions on the exchange, while the remaining 19 entities unreasonably raised starting prices and sold products through direct contracts in breach of regulations. These practices contributed to market manipulation and price hikes for propane, a critical energy resource.

Based on its findings, the Special Commission found all 31 subjects in violation of the Law "On Competition." As penalties, a financial fine of 28.9 billion Uzbek soums was imposed based on turnover during the infringement period, and they were ordered to return 34.1 billion soums in unjustly obtained funds to the state budget. Additionally, a mandatory directive was issued to rectify the violations and prevent their recurrence in the future.

Parties dissatisfied with the decision have the right to appeal to the Competition Committee's Appellate Council or to the courts. These measures aim to restore fair competition and stabilize energy prices, highlighting the government's efforts to curb monopolistic behaviors in a vital economic sector, though challenges in enforcement and market oversight persist.

Source: kun.uz