Collusion in gas tenders: AMCU fines four companies for over UAH 18 million
29 December 21:54
The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine has fined four companies UAH 18.31 million for anticompetitive concerted actions during public procurement in the gas sector. The regulator concluded that the bidders coordinated their behavior, which distorted the procurement results.
This was reported by the AMCU, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Violations during procurement for the GTS
In the first case, the committee found that Industrial Group SpetsTechnology LLC and Olsem LLC colluded in two tenders for the purchase of automatic gas odorization complexes held by Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine LLC.
According to the AMCU, the companies
- knew about each other’s participation at the stage of preparation of proposals;
- exchanged information;
- agreed on the terms of participation in the bidding.
For these violations, both companies were fined a total of UAH 8.94 million.
Collusion in gas production procurement
In a separate decision, the AMCU recognized the collusion between SPE Komplekt-Liga LLC and Torgindustriya LLC during the procurement of drill pipes and orientation adapters by Ukrgasvydobuvannya JSC.
The regulator found that the companies acted jointly and in a coordinated manner, which deprived the tender of real competition. As a result of the case, they were fined UAH 9.37 million.
Procurement in the gas sector is strategically important
Procurement in the gas industry is strategically important, as it directly affects energy security and the use of funds of state-owned companies.
According to the AMCU, anticompetitive agreements lead to price gouging and reduce the efficiency of public spending.
