Press-release of 24.06.2010

On 16th June 2010, the Federal Arbitration Court of the North-Caucasus District confirmed validity of the decision made by the Rostov Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (OFAS Russia) that "DonOrenGaz" Ltd. and "Etalon" Ltd. violated the prohibition of concerted actions, which restrict competition.

Earlier similar rulings were passed by the Court of the First Instance and the Appeal Court.

In August 2009, the Rostov OFAS Russia found that "DonOrenGaz" Ltd. and "Etalon" Ltd violated Clause 1 Part 1 Article 11 of the Federal Law "ON Protection of Competition" by exercising actions aimed at fixing and maintaining retail priced for liquefied gas for motor transport in the Salsky district of the Rostov region.

Analyzing information about prices for liquefied gas in the Salsky district, the Commission of the Rostov OFAS Russia established that from 1st January 2008 to 31st March 2009, the companies had increased and maintained their prices at the same level. AT the same time, reduction of purchasing prices did not result in similar reduction of retail prices.

The Rostov OFAS Russia issued a determination to "DonOrenGaz" Ltd. and "Etalon" Ltd. requesting the companies to stop the antimonopoly violation and submit quarterly reports to the OFAS on compliance with the above legal norm.