The companies “Dominic” SRL and “Comert - Gaz” SRL were fined over 3.5 million lei for violating the competition legislation. The Competition Council said the companies concluded a harsh horizontal anti-competitive agreement, taking part with rigged bids in a public tender contest held by the municipal road maintenance company Autosalubritate, which is a serious violation of competition rules, IPN reports.

In a press release, the Competition Council noted that the fine for “Comert - Gaz” was reduced because the company cooperated with the Council during the investigation and provided the required information and details of the concluded anti-competitive agreement.

Thus, “Dominic” SRL was fined 2 571 671 lei, while “Comert - Gaz” SRL – 998 343 lei. The fine is to be paid into the state budget within 60 days.

Under the legislation on competition, any agreements between companies or associations of companies, any decision by associations of companies and any concerted practices that are aimed at hampering, restraining or distorting competition on the market in Moldova or on a part of it are banned.