The Indian government could be poised to follow the EU and prevent liner conferences operating within the Indian market. The Competition Commission of India has recommended to the Ministry of Shipping to do away with the liner groups to allow companies to set rates independently. If the government agrees, it could see the end of the India Pakistan Bangladesh Ceylon Conferences, one of the oldest conferences still operating. CCI member Vinod Dhall said: “As part of our advocacy work, our advice to the shipping industry would be to examine the nature of the conferences in the light of the Competition Act and if necessary, bring about changes in conformity with the Act.”
Under India’s Competition Act, price fixing, which could in this case include freight rates and handling charges, by cartels is illegal.
Under India’s Competition Act, price fixing, which could in this case include freight rates and handling charges, by cartels is illegal.