Uzbekistan’s Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Rights Protection has designated WB Taxi as the digital platform operator holding a dominant position in the market for intermediary (aggregator) services used to place passenger transport orders and provide taxi services. The committee’s press service announced the decision, saying it was taken to protect competition, monitor market concentration and safeguard consumer interests. The designation does not suspend WB Taxi’s operations; instead, it imposes additional obligations to comply with competition law.
Key Takeaways: WB Taxi has been recognized as a dominant operator in Uzbekistan’s taxi aggregator market. The company must introduce an anti-monopoly compliance system on a mandatory basis and undergo regular monitoring. Earlier designations covered Uklon UB, YandexGo UB, Yandex Eats and Express24 APP.
Uzbekistan’s ride-hailing market is becoming increasingly digital, with orders placed through platforms that connect drivers and passengers and process payments. Aggregators act as intermediaries, but their scale and network effects can allow individual platforms to build dominant positions. The competition committee therefore regularly reviews market participants and assesses risks of reduced competition. The approach is intended to create equal conditions for new operators and protect the interests of drivers and passengers.
According to the committee, companies with a dominant position are prohibited from more than 20 types of conduct that restrict competition or discriminate against users’ rights and interests. Violations may lead to fines of 5 percent of turnover, as well as administrative liability for officials. WB Taxi is required to implement a mandatory anti-monopoly compliance system and undergo appropriate monitoring. These measures are meant to strengthen transparency and ensure compliance with market rules.
The latest decision follows earlier designations: in late October, foreign company Uklon UB was also granted dominant status, while in October 2024 YandexGo UB and Yandex Eats, as well as Express24 APP, were recognized as dominant entities. For WB Taxi, the next stage is expected to focus on monitoring the practical implementation of its compliance program, market behavior and impact on consumer rights. If identified shortcomings are not addressed, the penalties provided for by law may be applied.
Source: www.gazeta.uz