Press Release

Agency of Republic of Kazakhstan for Competition Protection Held Conference Call Presided by M. Yesenbayev December 10, 2009.

     In compliance with the assignment of the Head of the State issued after the Direct Line, the Agency held a conference call with the participation of the Chiefs of the Agency’s Interregional Inspections and territorial divisions on December 10, 2009.        

     The conference was dedicated to issues of stabilizing the situation in markets of fuels and lubricants, pharmaceuticals, food products, fruits and vegetables. Besides, the investigation results confirming antimonopoly legislation violation committed by entities, which supply fuels and lubricants, were also discussed at the meeting.                                  

    All the Interregional Inspections were given an assignment to monitor daily prices on fuels and lubricants, also detect problems in supply process, availability of fuels and lubricants, and sales volumes. In addition, the Interregional Inspections should conclude investigations in market of fuels and lubricants by the end of this year.

Although the prices on the 92-type petroleum and 93-type petroleum are set on a level of not higher than 82 tenge per litre across the country, in a number of oblasts the prices are set on a level of higher than 82 tenge per litre. Thereupon, the Agency’s Chairman gave an assignment to the Chiefs of the Interregional Inspections to resolve this situation with the participation of local executive authorities.  

    The Interregional Inspections with the participation of customs and tax authorities should deal with prices on fruits and vegetables imported and prevent the exclusion of domestic fruits and vegetables by more expensive ones imported. Thus, the Agency’s Interregional Inspections should detect whole sale scheme of fruits and vegetables and inspect whether importers are affiliated.       

     Furthermore, the Agency’s Chairman emphasized the importance of preventing increase in prices on fruits and vegetables and bakery products, especially during a forthcoming holidays’ period.     

    Also regarding the situation with the Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, all the Interregional Inspections should prevent efforts of high price setting on pharmaceuticals.  

    The Interregional Inspections should, by the end of this year, provide exaction of administrative fines imposed by the court.

    In the conclusion of the Conference Call, the Chairman of the Agency indicated prospect plans of the Agency. It also includes necessity to transfer minor industries of the public enterprises to the competition due to the fact that, according to the Competition Law, for them the right of applying to the Agency expires next year.