Polish Regulator Condemns Price Monopoly

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) condemned two companies, Dekore and Belpol, for maintaining a price monopoly. The companies allegedly coordinated for five years to control the sale of glass panels and underlays. This market division scheme was identified by the regulator. Residential property prices in Poland have seen a reduction in specific pricing tiers. The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, Tomasz Chróstny, announced that Decora, Belpol, and two managers will pay nearly 34 million PLN in fines. The penalties follow a decision regarding price collusion and market division. Chróstny stated that the consequences of the collusion directly affected consumer pockets. The ruling follows a period of over five years where customers paid for heating panels from Decora.