Islamabad: The Competition Council of Pakistan (CCP) has held a hearing in the Poultry Cartelisation case, where the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) has said it is defending itself against allegations of price fixing.
The hearing was scheduled after PPA and eight other organizations were served with show-cause notices for cartelization.
The SSK investigation revealed that between 2019 and June 2021, broiler chickens are fixed daily and the price is determined by a cartel consisting of eight chickens. ), Big Bird Group and Sabirs Group.
The inquiry was launched following complaints of price hikes and complaints by broiler farmers about cartelization in the industry through the Pakistan Citizens Portal. As a result, investigations and investigations were carried out at the premises of the PPA and forensic examination of the evidence revealed that an employee of one of the member firms played a key role in the cartel by coordinating the agreed daily price of broiler chicken.
These rates are communicated daily to correspondents and other PPAs via SMS and WhatsApp, and rates are discussed.
The investigation also found that the PPA violated Section 4 of the Act because its officials were involved in price cuts and announcements. The general principle is that if price-sensitive information is discussed, company/trade associations should be seen to distance themselves from conflicting practices.
Many chickens linked to the alleged cartel are also vertically integrated, involved in the entire livestock supply chain, from breeding to broiler chicken production, including animal feed and egg production.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2024, where the remaining eight cases will present their positions.
