New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Wednesday imposed penalty of over Rs 6,700 crore on 10 cement companies including ACC, Lafarge, Ultratech, Jayprakash Associates, Binani and their trade association the Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) on charges of cartelisation in the sector.
The information in the case was filed by the Builders Association of India against the cement firms and the CMA, alleging that they flouted the provisions of the Act. "While holding the cement companies and CMA in contravention of the Act, it was noted by CCI that the cement companies used the platform provided by CMA and shared details relating to prices, capacity utilisation, production and dispatch and thereby restricted production and supplies in the market," according to a finance ministry statement.
The CCI also found the cement companies to be acting in concert in fixing prices. "While imposing penalties, the Commission noted the action of the cement companies and CMA as being not only detrimental to the interests of consumers but also as detrimental to the whole economy, as cement is a critical input in construction and infrastructure industry - and thus vital for the economic development of the country.
It imposed penalties of Rs 1147.5 crore (ACC), Rs 1163.9 crore (ACL), Rs 167.3 crore (Binani), Rs. 274 crore (Century), Rs 187.5 crore (India Cements), Rs 128.5 crore (J K Cements), Rs. 490 crore (Lafarge), Rs. 258.6 crore (Ramco), Rs 1175.5 crore (UltraTech) and Rs 1323.6 crore (Jaiprakash Associates) have been imposed by CCI.
In addition, a penalty of Rs 73 lakh was imposed on CMA. In a separate order, the fair play regulator also imposed a penalty of Rs 397.5 crore on Shree Cement.
The cement companies and CMA have been directed to cease and desist from indulging in any activity relating to agreement, understanding or arrangement on prices, production and supply of cement.
CMA has been directed to disengage and disassociate itself from collecting wholesale and retail prices through member cement companies or in any other manner. It has also been restrained from collecting and circulating details relating to production and dispatch by cement companies.