Spanish antitrust authority fines Cepsa over pricing
The Spanish antitrust authority CNMC has sanctioned Spain-based Cepsa with 2.5 million euros for not complying with a resolution related to price setting practices.
Cepsa was supposed to make changes and revisions in its contracts with some retail stations in its network with the intention of making it clear that there was no maximum or recommended price but did not, said the authority, known under the full name Comision Nacional de Mercados y Competencia.
Suggesting prices or setting limits is contrary to Spanish and EU laws, the authority stated.
The resolution under which Cepsa had to make changes originated from sanctions in 2009 when the company was found responsible for “indirectly” setting prices to the public at fuel stations which were independent but operated under its banner, the authority said.
The authority made several follow ups since 2010 to verify compliance and in December it considered accredited that Cepsa had 'only partly complied” with the resolution, the authority added.
