# Portuguese antitrust legal developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-antitrust-legal-developments
> Updated: 2026-08-11T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Legal proceedings regarding antitrust and competition law in Portugal have seen varying outcomes for major corporations. 

In one case, the Lisbon Court of Appeal upheld a fine of more than €34 million against utility group EDP and retailer Sonae. The court ruled that the anti-competition fine, stemming from a 2012 non-compete agreement in the electricity market, was not subject to prescription. This decision overturned a previous ruling that had declared the case prescribed, thereby reviving the case for further proceedings.

Conversely, the Santarém Court of Competition, Regulation and Supervision overturned a fine previously imposed on the supermarket chain Pingo Doce. The court revoked the penalty, which was part of an investigation into alleged price-fixing practices involving multiple retailers and a common supplier, citing a lack of ‘solid proof’ regarding the allegations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: Pingo Doce acquitted as court overturns antitrust fine

A Portuguese court has overturned a fine against Pingo Doce, revoking an AdC decision regarding alleged price-fixing practices due to insufficient evidence.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pingo-doce-acquitted-as-court-overturns-antitrust-fine

### 2026-07-23: Portugal's Lisbon Court Upholds €34 million Fine Against EDP and Sonae

Portugal's Lisbon Court of Appeal rejected the claim that the €34 million anti‑competition fine against EDP and Sonae had prescribed, keeping the case active.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugals-lisbon-court-upholds-34-million-fine-against-edp-and-sonae

---
Cite as: Portuguese antitrust legal developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-antitrust-legal-developments