Monday, November 24, 2014

INDIA: CCI closes case against 11 cement companies

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has closed a case of alleged cartelization among cement companies for lack of evidence. 

An anonymous reference before the CCI had alleged that 11 cement companies had increased prices by Rs.75 a bag within the period of a month. 

The companies were named as Penna Cements, India Cements, Bharathi Cements, Dalmia (Bharat) Cements, Bhavya Cements, Zuari Cements, Ultratech Cements, Jaypee Cements, Ramco Cements, KCP Cements and My Home Cements. 

In its order, the CCI noted that the reference states that the price increased from Rs.230-250 to Rs.300-330 a bag after the general elections in Andhra Pradesh. 

The order didn’t specify the exact period over which the price rise took place. However, since the reference provided no documentary evidence in support of its allegations, the CCI deemed it fit not to order an investigation. 

“Save and except alleging an increase in price of cement bag by the named cement companies, no other allegation or averment has been laid in the reference wherefrom even a prima facie satisfaction may be recorded about the existence of a cartel,” the CCI order said.

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