AMCU names TOP-5 pharmacy chains that control the majority of the market in Ukraine
3 October 20:33
on October 2, 2025, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) launched an investigation against the five largest pharmacy chains in Ukraine: “ANC, Dobroho Dnia, 9-1-1, Podorozhnyk, and Zdorovye Zdorovye, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing information from the agency.
A total of 155 business entities are involved. The case was opened on the grounds of anticompetitive concerted actions that may lead to restriction or elimination of competition in the market.
The violation is classified under Article 50(1) and Article 6(1) of the Law of Ukraine “On Protection of Economic Competition”. This is one of the largest cases in the pharmaceutical sector in recent years.
Pharmacy market leaders under investigation
According to the AMCU, as of July 2025, a total of five pharmacy chains controlled 64% of the retail turnover of medicines in Ukraine.
In addition, these companies own 42% of all pharmacy outlets in the country. These are 7742 outlets, which in fact formed the dominant position of 5 pharmacy chains in the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market. According to experts, such concentration allows large chains to dictate terms to manufacturers and influence the availability of medicines for consumers.
Signs of abuse of market power
The AMCU has found that since February 2025, there has been a systematic decline in sales of drugs of three domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers in these networks. At the same time, the demand for medicines remained relatively stable and showed no signs of decline.
The antimonopoly authority emphasizes that the decline in sales is not due to a decrease in consumer demand, but rather to a restriction in the availability of drugs in chain pharmacies. In other words, patients could not buy medicines not because of a lack of need, but because of a shortage at points of sale.
Read also: The number of pharmacies is growing rapidly in Ukraine – experts say the market is oversaturated
Possible consequences for competition
If the information is confirmed, it will be a case of concerted actions by the largest pharmacy groups. Restrictions on the sale of products of certain manufacturers may lead to the ousting of competitors from the market, the creation of barriers for domestic pharmaceutical companies and higher prices for end consumers.
Analysts emphasize that such practices can have serious consequences for the industry, which is already under pressure due to the war, logistical difficulties and fluctuations in import prices. For the economy, this means a decrease in competition and a deterioration in the investment climate.
Legal liability
According to the law, violations in the form of anticompetitive concerted actions are subject to significant fines. In some cases, fines of up to 10% of the offending company’s annual turnover may be imposed.
In addition to financial sanctions, the AMCU may oblige companies to eliminate the consequences of the violation, restore fair competition and ensure unimpeded access of medicines to the market.
Economists note that the pharmacy market in Ukraine is one of the most profitable in the retail sector. That is why any attempts to monopolize it directly affect the prices and availability of medicines.
This is especially critical in wartime, when consumer demand for medicines is growing and the financial capacity of the population is declining. Shortages of medicines and artificially inflated prices can have a negative impact not only on the health of citizens, but also on the stability of the healthcare system as a whole.
The AMCU investigation has just begun. It will involve collecting evidence, analyzing documents and hearing explanations from the parties. If the violation is proven, the companies involved in the case will face millions of dollars in fines.
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Experts emphasize that the case could be indicative for the entire pharmaceutical industry. It will show how tough the state is ready to counter monopolization and protect the rights of Ukrainian consumers.
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