OREANDA-NEWS. August 08, 2012. The Association UniAgroProtect requests the NAPC to determine whether the Trans-Oil is a monopoly in the domestic production of vegetable oil. The association sent request to the National Agency for Protection of Competition.

In interview with the correspondent of agency InfoMarket chairman of the Association of agricultural producers in Moldova UniAgroProtect Slusar Alexander noted that the only producers of vegetable oil in Moldova are Ciadir-Lunga and Balti oil extraction plants, and last year producers of sunflower seeds paid attention to the same pricing policies of both companies. "In 2011-2012. the actions of these companies completely determined procurement policies and storage of agricultural products for the oil extraction industry.

We have the impression that both market participants are controlled by one person. A recent series of information in the press about the projects of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) only confirms our hypothesis - said Slusar. - We do not claim that the Trans-Oil is a monopoly in the market, but if so, it is necessary to fix the position of this company as dominant in the market and to closely monitor its activities.

"As it was previously reported, the group Trans-Oil in the last year acquired a group of five WJ Grain elevators and oil extraction plant in Balti Floarea Soarelui. Trans-Oil also owns crushing plant in Ciadir Lunga - processing capacity to 400 tons per day. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Trans-Oil holds 87% market share in processing of sunflower seeds in Moldova. Under current law, the company with more than 35% of the market may be called a company with dominant position.