Trans-Oil Group Challenges CCRM’s Abusive Decision
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Trans-Oil Group Challenges CCRM’s Abusive Decision
17.01.2025
The Trans-Oil Group has announced its intention to challenge the December 27, 2024, decision of the Moldovan Competition Council (CCRM), which imposed a fine on Floarea Soarelui SA, a subsidiary of the Group, for alleged violations of competition law. Group representatives consider this decision unfounded and abusive, stating that the investigation process was flawed and that access to key case materials was illegally restricted.
Trans-Oil Group’s Reaction
The Group emphasizes that the right to defense of Floarea Soarelui SA was severely violated. The company’s request to extend the response deadline to January 14, 2025, was ignored, raising questions about the objectivity and transparency of the process. These concerns were confirmed by European experts in competition law.
“We believe this decision contradicts international standards on the protection of foreign investors and severely damages Moldova’s reputation as an investment destination,” said Trans-Oil Group officials.
The Group also noted that the fine imposed by the CCRM amounts to 123 million lei (circa US$6.5 million).
Commitment to Community and Food Security
The Trans-Oil Group reiterated that its corporate policy prioritizes supporting the population by applying minimal commercial margins to sunflower oil sales on the domestic market. This is also confirmed in the CCRM’s report, which makes the sanction both unfounded and illogical, particularly given the company’s contribution to ensuring food security for citizens during the economic crisis.
Next Steps
The Trans-Oil Group plans to file an appeal with the competent national courts and, if necessary, will turn to international courts to denounce this abusive decision. The Group remains committed to defending its rights by all legal means to protect its interests and reputation on the international market.
Trans-Oil’s Commitment
The Group reaffirms its compliance with legal and competitive standards in all its operations and calls on the relevant authorities to ensure a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory process.
