After taking action against cement cartelisation, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Friday hinted at action against milk and tyre cartels as well, saying it also has on its radar sectors such as aviation, real estate and pharmaceuticals for possible similar action.
“We have looked at cases in the real estate, aviation, pharmaceutical and other sectors. The cement cartel case is very recent. We have been looking at the tyre sector seriously. A study on the tyre sector is at an advanced stage and action could be announced soon. This is a very dynamic process and it is difficult to say when what starts and where it ends,” Mr Ashok Chawla, Chairman, CCI, told reporters on the sidelines of an event here this evening.
Asked about the milk prices, he said this was also being looked into. About the exemption demanded by some sectors, he said: “As of today, the law is very clear. As per the Parliamentary decision, every sector is under the ambit of the CCI. About the occasional demand for exemption, the Government and Parliament will take the ultimate decision.”
Earlier, in a speech at the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), he said the CCI could look at possible action even on companies’ mergers overseas if it impacts competition in India.
Asked about the public sector oil marketing companies, too, cartelising fuel prices, and not reducing these proportionately with the fall in crude prices globally, Mr Chawla remarked: “We have also taken note of it.”