OREANDA-NEWS. September 10, 2013. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) postponed a case against the Governor of the Samara region and the Government of the Samara region initiated upon signs of violating the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” (Part 1 Article 15) and the Law “On Trade” (Article 15).

“This decision is made because investigating the case FAS exposed signs of violating Article 16 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” by the Government of the Samara region and some producers of alcohol products in the Samara region, and because it is necessary to collect additional evidence”, pointed out Deputy Head of FAS, Alexander Kinev.

Earlier FAS received petitions from “METRO Cash & Carry” Ltd. and “Federal Product Company” Ltd. on violations of the antimonopoly law in the Samara region by Samara regional authorities implementing the Address of the Governor of the Samara region, Nikolai Merkushkin.

The Address of the Governor of the Samara region called for increasing the share of Samara beverages in 2-3 years to 80% by “improving the sales systems and elements of monopolistic status of regional producers”. FAS evaluated such calling by the Governor as contrary to the law and sent a letter to the Head of the constituent territory of the Russian Federation that making such statements was unacceptable. Thus, the Governor of the Samara region was warned that if actions were undertaken towards implementing his calling, FAS would apply measures of antimonopoly control. According to information available to FAS, despite the warning Samara authorities are pursuing actions towards implementing the Governor’s Address, which have signs of violating the antimonopoly law and the law on trading activities.

The case is rescheduled for 1st October 2013.