Interviewed by Maroc Hebdo, Rahhou emphasized the importance of adhering to the Council’s commitments. He explained that a recent report from the general rapporteur, released in August 2023, highlighted numerous grievances communicated to implicated oil operators. The report presented compelling evidence, indicating anticompetitive practices by nine oil companies in the markets of diesel and gasoline.
These practices, deemed contrary to the law, restrict market access and impede price formation through fair competition, according to Rahhou. He noted that implicated companies, within the framework of the law, expressed a desire to benefit from the settlement procedure outlined in Article 37 of the competition law. This procedure allows for a transactional resolution of competition problems and disputes.
The president of the Competition Council underscored the preference for amicable settlements, as they lead to a quick resolution without resorting to lengthy court proceedings. In addition to paying a transactional fine, implicated parties are required to make immediate commitments within the framework of this procedure.
Rahhou clarified the legal framework used to evaluate fines, citing a law that limits penalties in the case of court disputes to a maximum of 10% of the turnover for a single year, focusing only on the relevant activities—in this case, diesel and gasoline. Negotiations ensued separately with each operator after deducting unrelated activities from the oil companies’ overall turnover.
This news comes as the Council awaits validation of agreements reached through amicable procedures, making fines immediately payable to the state upon approval. The Ministry of Economy and Finance is expected to facilitate the transfer of funds to the public treasury.
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