Yerevan/Mediamax/. Today, State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC) of Armenia decided to fine 4 companies, dealing with cargo transportation, for anticompetitive agreement.

Mediamax was informed in the press service of the Commission that in particular, “Four Friends” company is fined for about AMD 55mln, “SOGO” – for AMD 30mln, “Prof Importex” – for AMD 10mln, “Nanis” – for AMD 5mln.

According to the decision of the Commission, in the course of ten days, these companies should present to the commission information, certifying payment of the fine. Besides, they are obliged to rule out such violations in future.

In the beginning of the year, the above-mentioned companies increased the tariffs for good, imported from Turkey and China, and because of that the tradespeople organized protest campaigns.

According to the assurance of Mediamax’s sources, the sum, which is collected from tradespeople for a kilo of products, imported from Turkey, has increased from USD 4 to 8, and from China – from USD 7 to 14.

The State Revenues Committee of Armenia assured that no changes in tax payments for import of goods from Turkey and China have taken place, and the problem is related to the mutual settlement of accounts between tradespeople and transporters.

SCPEC demanded explanations from above-mentioned companies concerning increase of price. The statement of the cargo transportation companies noted that increase in price was related to growth of prices for tent of storehouse in Turkey, the social payments for employees of Turkish companies, as well as unforeseen volume expenses in Georgia. However none of the companies presented documents, proving such facts.