Archive · 12 Dec 2025
CCI Orders Maharashtra Liquor Associations to Stop Anti-Competitive Practices
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) told some liquor groups in Maharashtra to stop doing things that aren't fair to competition.
These groups were accused of working together to control prices and other conditions for selling alcohol.
The CCI found that they were making companies get permission before launching new products and were telling members how to set prices and other terms.
Even though the groups were doing things that break the rules, the CCI didn't fine them because a fine would hurt their ability to help small liquor shops.
CCI ordered Maharashtra liquor associations to stop anti-competitive practices.
Associations were accused of operating as a cartel and controlling conditions for manufacturers, distributors, and sellers.
CCI found that associations mandated NOCs for new product launches and influenced pricing and other terms.
No monetary penalty was imposed to avoid affecting the financial viability of the associations and their welfare activities.
The associations involved are Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association, Pune District Wine Merchants Association, and Association of Progressive Liquor Vendors.
- Who
- Competition Commission of India (CCI) and Maharashtra liquor associations
- What
- CCI ordered liquor associations to stop anti-competitive practices
- When
- Thursday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- Associations were alleged to be operating as a cartel and imposing conditions on manufacturers, distributors, and sellers
- Regulator
- Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- Associations Involved
- Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association, Pune District Wine Merchants Association, Association of Progressive Liquor Vendors
- Alleged Violations
- Operating as a cartel, prescribing conditions on manufacturers, distributors, and sellers
- Specific Practices
- Mandating NOCs for new product launches, influencing pricing, margins, discounts, payment terms, and transportation charges
- CCI's Decision
- Ordered associations to cease and desist from anti-competitive conduct, no monetary penalty imposed
- Reason for No Penalty
- Penalty would adversely affect financial viability and welfare activities for small liquor retailers