At a roundtable held in the State Duma focused on pricing and regulatory issues within the taxi market, Stanislav Kotelnikov, who leads the information technology department in the Federal Antimonopoly Service’s broader information technology division, outlined the agency’s stance toward Yandex Taxi. He indicated that FAS acts as a watchdog against tariff structures that could harm competition, signaling that precautions will be taken to keep price-setting fair for drivers and riders alike. Source: Federal Antimonopoly Service briefing, cited in discussions at the parliamentary session.
The official noted that the agency has several questions about current tariffs and plans to pursue clarification in the near term. The aim is to ensure tariff levels reflect market dynamics and do not create undue barriers for entry or discrimination against specific market participants. The process will involve data requests, stakeholder consultations, and a transparent review of how pricing interacts with service quality and availability, as described in subsequent FAS communications. Source: Federal Antimonopoly Service briefing, cited in discussions at the parliamentary session.
Kotelnikov added that if a satisfactory resolution is not reached through standard regulatory channels, the authority does not rule out deploying anti-monopoly measures. This stance underscores the agency’s preference for resolving issues through coordination with market players and courts where necessary, but it also signals readiness to take formal steps to protect competition when negotiation fails. Source: Federal Antimonopoly Service briefing, cited in discussions at the parliamentary session.
There is a scheduled development on March 5 when FAS is expected to initiate checks into Yandex Taxi. In response, the company announced intentions to adjust its fee structure, including a reduction of commissions charged to drivers during peak demand periods. The move appears aimed at alleviating cost pressures on drivers during busy times and maintaining service accessibility for riders, while the regulator continues its examination of tariff practices. Source: Federal Antimonopoly Service briefing, cited in discussions at the parliamentary session.
Historically, FAS has taken enforcement actions against other sectors, including levying significant penalties on fuel companies for regulatory violations. These prior cases illustrate the agency’s readiness to intervene when pricing or market conduct is seen as detrimental to competitive conditions or consumer welfare. The current focus on taxi tariffs aligns with a broader federal objective to ensure fair competition across transportation markets and to prevent price abuses from any single platform. Source: Federal Antimonopoly Service briefing, cited in discussions at the parliamentary session.