CCP launches probe into possible poultry cartelisation

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Thursday initiated yet another inquiry into possible collusion among poultry sector players to fix inflated prices to flay the consumers.

“The commission launched the probe invoking its suo motu powers after finding strong indications that poultry businesses are involved in organised communication for the purpose of jacking prices,” the CCP said in a statement.

“A team of authorised CCP officials recently raided a location in Lahore and impounded material evidence. The said office was in the use of Pakistan Poultry Association.”

The statement added that the inquiry committee has been tasked to examine all the evidence and present its findings in form of a report at the earliest.

“The poultry sector has been investigated and penalised in the past as well,” the statement said adding that poultry association was fined Rs50 million in 2010 and Rs100 million in 2016 for cartelisation and fixing prices.

It added that the CCP remains particularly vigilant against collusive activities, which are the most egregious form of anti-competitive behavior.

“Collusive activities are prohibited under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010,” the statement informed.