Armenia’s antitrust agency displays biased approach to companies to disadvantage of consumers
16.03.2016,
10:25
Armenia’s antitrust agency is not focused on protection of consumers’ rights, Babken Pipoyan, chairman of the Informed and Protected Consumer NGO said Tuesday at a news conference.
YEREVAN, March 16. /ARKA/. Armenia’s antitrust agency is not focused on protection of consumers’ rights, Babken Pipoyan, chairman of the Informed and Protected Consumer NGO said Tuesday at a news conference.
He stressed that the agency should display an unbiased approach and should be guided by consumers’, not business entities’ interests.
Commenting on the agency’s recent decision to fine Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia for abusing its market dominance, which was prompted by Pepsi-Cola Bottler Jermuk International LLC’s complaint, Pipoyan said that although the fine was aimed at protection of consumers’ right for a free choice, yet Pepsi-Cola itself very often do the same.
The expert added that he can provide evidence, if necessary.
“Fining only Coca-Cola, the agency protects Pepsi Cola’s interests,” he said. “If the agency had punished both companies for the same offence, consumers’ interests would have been protected,” he said stressing the importance of adequate treatment of all market entities.
On February 26, the anti-trust agency, responding to a complaint filed by Pepsi-Cola Bottler Jermuk International, imposed an AMD 50-million fine on Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia for abusing dominance.
It was said in the complaint that 11 business entities in the catering zone of Dalma Garden Mall reject offers to buy and sell Pepsi-Cola drink under pressure from Coca-Cola.
In response, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia voiced its intention to dispute the anti-trust agency’s decision. ---0---
He stressed that the agency should display an unbiased approach and should be guided by consumers’, not business entities’ interests.
Commenting on the agency’s recent decision to fine Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia for abusing its market dominance, which was prompted by Pepsi-Cola Bottler Jermuk International LLC’s complaint, Pipoyan said that although the fine was aimed at protection of consumers’ right for a free choice, yet Pepsi-Cola itself very often do the same.
The expert added that he can provide evidence, if necessary.
“Fining only Coca-Cola, the agency protects Pepsi Cola’s interests,” he said. “If the agency had punished both companies for the same offence, consumers’ interests would have been protected,” he said stressing the importance of adequate treatment of all market entities.
On February 26, the anti-trust agency, responding to a complaint filed by Pepsi-Cola Bottler Jermuk International, imposed an AMD 50-million fine on Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia for abusing dominance.
It was said in the complaint that 11 business entities in the catering zone of Dalma Garden Mall reject offers to buy and sell Pepsi-Cola drink under pressure from Coca-Cola.
In response, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia voiced its intention to dispute the anti-trust agency’s decision. ---0---
