The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission* has moved swiftly to investigate claims of resale price maintenance in the Victorian bread market.
ACCC Chairman Professor Allan Fels said today that investigations of claims that a Ferntree Gully, Victoria green grocer owner was refused supply of bread because he cut its price were well under way.
"The ACCC views resale price maintenance extremely seriously. It is anti-competitive and totally inappropriate behaviour," he said.
"Traders have the right to attract custom into their shop with special prices for basic commodities if they so wish. They should not be threatened with refusal of supply, or forced to raise their prices to accommodate other businesses' demands.
"If the ACCC finds evidence of resale price maintenance in this matter - or indeed in any sector - it will litigate against those responsible.
"I remind businesspeople that they face penalties of up to $10 million, for companies, or $500,000 for individuals should they be found to be involved in resale price maintenance activities."
ACCC Chairman Professor Allan Fels said today that investigations of claims that a Ferntree Gully, Victoria green grocer owner was refused supply of bread because he cut its price were well under way.
"The ACCC views resale price maintenance extremely seriously. It is anti-competitive and totally inappropriate behaviour," he said.
"Traders have the right to attract custom into their shop with special prices for basic commodities if they so wish. They should not be threatened with refusal of supply, or forced to raise their prices to accommodate other businesses' demands.
"If the ACCC finds evidence of resale price maintenance in this matter - or indeed in any sector - it will litigate against those responsible.
"I remind businesspeople that they face penalties of up to $10 million, for companies, or $500,000 for individuals should they be found to be involved in resale price maintenance activities."