ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE

Cartelisation: CCI Penalty on Beer Companies

Context: Recently, the Competition Commission of India found that three beer companies — United Breweries Ltd (UBL), Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd (CIPL) and Anheuser Busch InBev India (AB InBev)— had colluded to fix beer prices for a full decade — between 2009 and 2018.

As a result, the CCI slapped a penalty of Rs 873 crore on the companies as well as the All India Brewers Association (AIBA) and 11 individuals for cartelisation in the sale and supply of beer in 10 states and Union Territories.

What is a cartel?

How do cartels work?

According to ICN, four categories of conduct are commonly identified across jurisdictions (countries). These are:

Overall, participants in hard-core cartels agree to insulate themselves from the rigours of a competitive marketplace, substituting cooperation for competition.

How do cartels hurt?

How to stop the spread of cartelisation?

Connecting the dots:

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