Romania Competition Council fines 21 companies 83.2 million lei

The Romanian Competition Council has imposed fines totaling 83.2 million lei (approximately 15.87 million euros) on 21 companies for engaging in anti-competitive price-fixing agreements. The sanctions target the production and commercialization of agricultural seeds and crop protection products.

Investigations revealed that major producers, including Pioneer Hi-Bred România S. R. L., Corteva Crop Solutions ROM S. R. L. (formerly DuPont Romania S. R. L.), and Maisadour Semences România S. R. L., reached agreements with distributors to control resale prices. This was achieved through contractual provisions and a voucher system. Under this system, producers provided farmers with coupons for specific products and discounts, but the final price paid by the farmer was predetermined between the producer and the distributor.

Competition Council President Bogdan Chirițoiu stated that while voucher systems are not inherently problematic, recommended prices must not function as mandatory fixed prices. He emphasized that distributors must be able to set independent resale prices to ensure farmers benefit from market competition.