Belarusian individual identified for breaching market regulations in the stone salt sector, according to MART (Market Regulation and Tariff Commission).
Belarus's Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) has issued a warning to state-owned OAO "Belaruskali" over allegations of abuse of a dominant position in the wholesale market for mineral concentrate, specifically rock salt.
According to MART's press service, the enterprise is accused of setting discriminatory terms for one of its buyers, LLC "AKVATOP," which manufactures de-icing materials. The agency's investigation discovered these conditions to be in violation of antimonopoly norms in Belarus.
To rectify this situation, "Belaruskali" has been instructed to develop and publish, by June 15, a procedure for goods delivery, including during periods of increased demand, ensuring non-discriminatory criteria for determining the sequence and volumes of deliveries.
MART noted that the warning serves as a preventive measure, allowing the company to adjust its market behavior without necessitating a full-scale investigation. If the enterprise fully complies, antimonopoly proceedings will be terminated. However, non-compliance or disregard of the instructions will result in an official investigation.
While the specific legal penalties for such violations in Belarus were not disclosed, abusing a dominant position can attract serious sanctions, ranging from modest fines to substantial penalties.
OAO "Belaruskali" is a significant player in Belarus's commodity markets, particularly in the potash fertilizer sector. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of market regulation to maintain fair competition and consumer protection. The ongoing scrutiny on the enterprise underscores the increasing focus on market fairness and economic welfare in Belarus.
- The warning issued by the Belarus's Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) to OAO "Belaruskali" highlights their involvement in the industry and finance, as they are accused of abusing a dominant position in the wholesale market for minerals like rock salt.
- In an effort to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Belarus's business sector, MART has instructed OAO "Belaruskali" to publish a non-discriminatory goods delivery procedure by June 15, targeting its behavior in the market and potentially averting serious sanctions related to antimonopoly violations.