The council emphasized that attempts to manipulate prices through collective actions or agreements, explicit or implicit, are “strictly” illegal.
The Competition Council announced plans to launch an investigation into reports of possible price hikes at cafes across the country. Preliminary findings from the council’s services suggest that certain cafe owners and managers are considering increasing the prices of served drinks, which could be considered anti-competitive behavior.
According to a statement from the council’s interim report, various press sources have raised the issue, prompting the council to initiate the investigation. Under the provisions of Law 104.12 on price freedom and competition, the prices of products and services must be determined by free competition, with the exception of specific exceptions included in the law. The council emphasized that attempts to manipulate prices through collective actions or agreements, explicit or implicit, are “strictly” illegal.
The council added that such practices are deemed harmful to fair market competition as they can disadvantage consumers. The statement further reminded that discussions related to pricing or profit margins are prohibited under the regulations of Law 104.12. Any violations of the regulations can have legal consequences for the involved parties. “In light of these developments, the Competition Council is ready to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter,” the statement said.
The council also pledged to take all necessary legal measures to ensure compliance with its constitutional and legal mandates, in line with its commitment to monitoring a competitive and fair business environment. The price hikes in cafes have become particularly noticeable after Eid Al Fitr, according to converging news reports.
MOROCCO WORLD NEWS
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