In a move aimed at tightening competition protection, the State Duma approved a law expanding the powers of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service to oversee pricing and enforce anti-monopoly rules across the economy. The legislation confirms that the FAS will have the authority to issue formal notices to the officers of companies and to public authorities warning against statements that could undermine compliance with anti-monopoly legislation. By extending its communicative reach, the agency seeks to curb public remarks that might mislead markets, affect consumer choices, or distort price signals. The measure signals a broader policy to make competition enforcement more proactive, with a mechanism for early intervention in cases where public messaging could hint at price manipulation or unfair contracting practices. In practice, this means that business leaders, government bodies, and digital platforms must consider the potential competitive impact of their public communications. The Duma’s action reflects ongoing concerns about maintaining a level playing field, particularly in sectors where pricing power is concentrated or where centralized pricing decisions could influence a wide range of buyers and sellers. The goal is to create a more predictable and transparent competitive environment that reduces room for misinterpretation and market distortions.
Additionally, the new law empowers the FAS to issue warnings to owners and operators of digital platforms that may be involved in activities suggesting anti-competitive behavior. The authority covers scenarios in which platforms may impose unfavorable conditions on business partners, engage in unfair refusals to enter into supply or distribution contracts, or set different prices for the same goods based on non-transparent criteria. The intention behind these powers is to deter platform-driven practices that could restrict competition, suppress market entry, or skew price formation in ways that disadvantage consumers and legitimate sellers alike. The text of the measure emphasizes preventative action, allowing rapid communications that put market participants on notice before formal investigations or penalties become necessary. This approach aligns with international trends where competition authorities increasingly address digital market dynamics and the power of platform ecosystems to shape access, terms, and price competitiveness. The FAS is also expected to monitor consumer-facing communications, contractual terms offered to partners, and the consistency of pricing across channels to identify early signs of potential infringements.
The law also sets out a clear timeline for its implementation, stating that it will come into effect on March 1, 2025. This date provides time for the administrative bodies to develop procedures, train staff, and establish the administrative processes necessary to exercise these new powers. Observers note that the transitional period will likely involve a combination of clarified guidelines, outreach to market participants, and stepped enforcement in targeted sectors where concerns about price fairness and competitive behavior have been most pronounced. While the legislative text outlines the scope of the FAS authority, the exact mechanisms for issuing notices, handling complaints, and coordinating with other regulatory agencies are expected to be defined through regulatory actions and further guidance. The overall aim remains to strengthen the capability of the competition watchdog to respond quickly to emerging market risks, reduce uncertainty for compliant businesses, and ensure that pricing practices align with principles of fair competition across the economy.
At the same time, there is a parallel push to monitor the prices of essential consumer goods across major retail chains. Government officials have indicated that prices of basic food items would come under closer observation in the country’s 14 largest retail networks. The scope of monitoring includes staple products such as bread, milk, meat, and vegetables that feature prominently in everyday diets. Among these items, products associated with the everyday borscht set are included in the oversight, with the goal of tracking how pricing evolves and how it affects affordability for households across different regions. The intent behind this monitoring is to prevent unwarranted price increases that could strain household budgets and to promote greater transparency in how prices are formed in large-scale retail environments. By extending the reach of price scrutiny into the retail sector, authorities hope to deter practices such as price discrimination across stores, selective promotions that undermine fair competition, and sudden price spikes that outpace wage growth and consumer demand.
Officials emphasize that the law is designed to reinforce pricing discipline and preserve trust in the market for essential goods. The focus on comprehensive oversight aims to address concerns that have emerged about market power among large retailers and the potential for coordinated price moves. In parallel, the FAS has previously announced checks related to invoice changes to ensure that invoicing practices do not mask unfavorable terms or create hidden price shifts. The combination of enhanced authority and ongoing monitoring strategies signals a broader effort to create a more predictable, competitive environment for buyers and sellers alike. While the details of enforcement will be shaped by practical experience and ongoing regulatory development, the overarching objective remains clear: to safeguard fair trading conditions, deter anti-competitive conduct, and support a stable price environment for everyday necessities across the national economy.
Earlier, the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service signaled ongoing checks on invoice changes as part of its broader approach to monitoring market prices and contracting terms. The agency’s broader agenda includes securing predictable pricing and preventing manipulation that could distort competition. By keeping a close eye on invoicing practices as well as platform behavior and retail pricing, authorities aim to build a more level playing field for businesses and consumers alike.