Romanian Competition Council fines Euro Parts Distribution network €881k for price fixing

The Romanian Competition Council imposed a total fine of nearly 4.5 million lei (about €881,144) on Euro Parts Distribution SRL and 15 of its franchisees operating the epiesa.ro and targuldepiese.ro networks. The sanctions relate to price‑fixing practices between 2018 and 2023, where franchise contracts required retailers to sell auto parts and accessories at the same prices displayed on the online platforms.

Council President Bogdan Chirițoiu said the decision marks an early example of enforcing competition rules on franchise systems in Romania. The authority indicated that the investigation is part of a broader review of franchise arrangements to ensure compliance with competition law.

The fine targets both the franchisor and the participating franchise stores, signaling stricter oversight of pricing practices in the automotive parts sector.