OREANDA-NEWS. March 31, 2009. The Krasnodar Regional Arbitration Court ruled that the decision of the Krasnodar Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (Krasnodar OFAS Russia) regarding "Crocus" Ltd. was legitimate, reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

The antimonopoly body initiated a case against "Crocus" Ltd. on 20th June 2008. Having investigated the case, the Commission of the Krasnodar OFAS Russia found that the company violated Clause 1 Part 1 Article 11 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition". The company violated the law by fixing and maintaining retail prices for motor petrol (grades А-76, Аi-92, Аi-95) and diesel fuel.

"Crocus" Ltd. was involved in selling oil products through petrol stations located in a municipality Otradnoe District. Prices were artificially maintained at the same level with the prices set by the following individual entrepreneurs: V. Tsymbalov, V.Iritsyan, T.Savchenko, A.Korolev, and S.Kurdina. The Krasnodar OFAS Russia issued determinations to participants of the retail market of motor petrol (А-76, Аi-92, Аi-95) and diesel fuel within the boundaries of a municipality Otradnoe District, including "Crocus" Ltd., requesting them to stop antimonopoly violations.

"Crocus" Ltd. appealed the decision of the Krasnodar OFAS Russia to the Krasnodar Regional Arbitration Court. The Court, however, dismissed the claim of "Crocus" Ltd. and upheld the decision of the antimonopoly body.