Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) – The initiative by Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) for stricter antitrust law is generally welcomed in the state government in Stuttgart. A change in the applicable law will not have an effect in the short term, but at most in the medium term, said a spokesman for the State Ministry of Economics of the German Press Agency in Stuttgart.
Habeck had announced that in view of the high fuel prices, proposals for stricter antitrust laws would be presented as quickly as possible.
It is right to provide the antitrust authorities with instruments that enable better market surveillance for fuels, according to Department Head Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (CDU).
So far it has been difficult to prove price fixing and coordinated behavior between companies. “Gasoline prices in particular are public and transparent, and a few providers dominate the business,” said the spokesman.
Antitrust law aims to ensure fair competition. Company agreements that restrict free competition should be prevented.
