Bulgarian Anti-cartel Watchdog Fines Sofia Heating Utility

The Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition, KZK, has imposed a fine of BGN 338 094 on the Sofia municipal heating utility "Toplofikatziya" for a monopoly position on the shared distribution of heating energy.

The monopoly on shared distribution of heating energy between consumers in apartment buildings and condominiums can prevent, restrict, or violate competition and inflict on the interests of consumers by obstructing the emergence of a new bidder on the market for such distribution.

The claim against the heating utility has been logged by the heating accounting company "PMU Engineering."

The KZK probe had established that "Toplofikatsiya Sofia" has abused its monopoly position on the market by delaying the market entering of "PMU Engineering" in refusing for three months to sign a contract with it.

The heating utility had also used its monopoly position to attract customers of its competitor, the probe has concluded.

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