Coca-Cola Bottlers in Azerbaijan accused in monopolism

Criminal case has been launched on Azerbaijan Coca-Cola Bottlers Ltd. on violation of antimonopoly legislation.

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economic Development told APA that in connection with intention of Azerbaijan Coca-Cola Bottlers Ltd. on price rise of 1 and 2 l- sugared refreshing non-alcoholic beverages (Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta), the institution has been demanded necessary information from the Anti-Monopoly Policy and Consumer Rights Protection Service under Ministry of Economic Development for investigation of abuse of dominating positions in the market, as well as existence of artificial price rise.

“But the institution has not submitted the demanded information completely and the considered price rise had not been based from the economic standpoint”, told the Ministry.

By taking opportunity of Azerbaijan Coca-Cola Bottlers Ltd. to influence on the state of competition and prices in market due to its dominating position, abuse of dominating position in increasing the prices without economic feasibility and cases of manipulation in prices into account, the State Service has given mandatory task to the institution on emergency postponement of price rise on 1 and 2 l- sugared refreshing non-alcoholic beverages (Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta).

Nevertheless, during recent monitorings it was revealed that price of 1 l - sugared refreshing non-alcoholic beverages (Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta) had been increased from AZN 0.50 to AZN 0.60.

In relation to unfulfillment of the State Service’s mandatory task, a criminal case has been launched on Azerbaijan Coca-Cola Bottlers Ltd. on The signs of violation of antimonopoly legislation and the investigations had been started.


/APA/