Consumers benefit when suppliers make their own decisions about what to offer and how much to charge. A cartel undermines that independence by replacing rivalry with coordination.
What the rules address
The European Commission explains that Article 101 prohibits restrictive agreements between independent market operators. Price fixing and market sharing are prominent examples of cartel conduct.
Evidence matters
Imagine several fictional suppliers agreeing to divide customers between them. Buyers could appear to have several options while the suppliers have already limited meaningful rivalry. This hypothetical example illustrates the concern; it describes no actual company.
Similar prices alone should not be presented as proof of a cartel. Reporting needs to distinguish an allegation, an investigation and a finding, and identify the conduct supported by the evidence.
