• The UOKiK has initiated preliminary proceedings intended to determine whether any price-fixing arrangements or instances of abuse of a dominant position occur in the areas affected by the heavy storms which swept across the country this summer.
• The analysis will cover three provinces: the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, the Wielkopolskie province and the Pomorskie province.
• Anyone who participated in an illegal agreement may face financial penalties.

The President of the UOKiK has initiated preliminary proceedings intended to determine whether any competition-restricting practices are applied by undertakings in the areas directly affected by severe weather conditions as well as in the neighbouring areas. The Competition Authority will pay particular attention to the pricing of goods and services.

– We intend to analyse the conduct of undertakings in the areas affected by the disaster with regard to possible instances of collusion or abuse of a dominant position. Of particular concern are sudden and unwarranted price hikes affecting goods such as fuel or construction materials – says Marek Niechciał, President of the UOKiK.

In the course of the pending proceedings, the UOKiK requested the authorities of 13 communes, districts and village administrations from the disaster-struck areas as well as province governors whose authority extends to the said areas to provide the Competition Authority with information on any irregularities. Consumer ombudsmen and local residents are also free to report any instances of illegal conduct. The number of the consumer helpline of the Trade Inspection Authority in Bydgoszcz where any illegal commercial practices in the disaster-struck areas may be reported is 52 323-16-24.

– We have decided to launch preliminary proceedings due to a variety of factors, including the disturbing information being published in social media – says Piotr Adamczewski, the director of the UOKiK Branch Office in Bydgoszcz. – We are currently conducting various activities intended to verify the information we have received – he adds.

Under the provisions of applicable laws, any arrangements between undertakings which involve market allocation schemes or price fixing are strictly prohibited. Abuse of market position by monopolists or the imposition of unfair prices are likewise considered illegal. Applying competition-restricting practices carries a financial penalty in the amount of up to 10% of the undertaking’s turnover. It should be clarified, however, that whenever an undertaking makes individual adjustments based on the prevailing market conditions, including, in particular, the behaviour of its competitors, such adjustments shall not be considered illegal. For example, the provisions of applicable laws do not prohibit parallel pricing, i.e. a practice which involves monitoring the pricing policies of direct competitors and adjusting the sales offer accordingly.

Additional information for media:

UOKiK Press Office
pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warsaw
Phone: 695 902 088, 22 55 60 430
E-mail: [SCODE]Yml1cm9wcmFzb3dlQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]

Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL