Regulator warns Russian Sea not to hike fish prices
MOSCOW. Aug 13 (Interfax) - The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) has warned Russian Sea that it will not tolerate violations of antimonopoly legislation that might take the form of possible increases of wholesale prices for fish products.
Due to the public statements of company representatives about Russian Sea Group raising prices by 15-20% for certain types of fish and seafood, FAS issued a warning "against committing planned action (inaction) aimed at nonmarket formation of prices for fish and fish products because such behaviour could lead to the violation of antimonopoly legislation," the regulator said.
Russian Sea public relations director Ilya Bereznyuk told Interfax that the company's statement referred to reports about possible price increased by the company's potential suppliers, particularly Chilean suppliers. The company has not made decisions on prices for its own products.
Bereznyuk said the company is reviewing its product mix and plans to replace Norwegian fish, imports of which have been banned by Russia. "The company's management is work hard on diversifying the portfolio, talking with suppliers, including from Chile. Supplies are also possible from the Faeroe Islands," he said.
Bereznyuk confirmed the company's previously issued statement that there will not be a shortage of fish on the market.