On 14th August 2008, the Stavropol Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (OFAS Russia) recognized that «Lukoil-Yurgnefteproduct» Ltd., «Rosneft - Stavropolye» Oil Company» OJSC, «Bashoil - KMB» Ltd., «Stavneft» Ltd., and «Stavpromkomplekt» PPK» Ltd. breached Article 11 of the Federal Law «On Protection of Competition» and issued a determination to eliminate the violations.
Investigating the case, the antimonopoly office established that in May, June and July the companies carried out concerted, coordinated price policy on increasing and maintaining retail prices for diesel fuel in the Stavropol region at the level higher than Ai-95.
In its determination, the Stavropol OFAS Russia requested Lukoil-Yurgnefteproduct» Ltd., «Rosneft - Stavropolye» Oil Company» OJSC, «Bashoil - KMB» Ltd., «Stavneft» Ltd., and «Stavpromkomplekt» PPK» Ltd. to terminate concerted actions that resulted in outrunning, economically unjustified increase of prices for diesel fuel in comparison with high-octane petrol.
Based on the case findings, the Stavropol OFAS Russia executed the protocols on administrative violations against the companies. Under Article 14.32 of the Code of Administrative Violations, such concerted actions are liable with administrative fine amounted to 1 - 15% of the net sales of the violators on the market of diesel fuel sales.
