Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine / Photo from UNIAN
The Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) says it will strengthen monitoring of the country's market for petroleum products over a possible reduction in fuel supplies from Belarus.
Read alsoUkraine gas stations raise gasoline, diesel pricesThe Committee has warned market participants against engaging in any anti-competitive practices that could affect the resources and price situation on the market, according to an AMCU's statement released on September 21.
In particular, the participants have been warned against creating an artificial shortage of fuel, unjustified increase in wholesale and retail prices, creating barriers to access to seaports' infrastructure related to transshipment of petroleum products.
Committee's warning
"In case of violations of the legislation on protection of economic competition, the Committee will respond in line with the current legislation," the AMCU said.
Belarus protests: background
- On August 9, presidential elections were held in Belarus. The country's Central Election Commission announced the final election results. In particular, 80.1% of voters supported incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, 10.1% voted for Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 1.67% for Anna Kanopatskaya, 1.2% for Andrey Dmitriev, and 1.14% for Sergei Cherechnya. Some 4.59% voted against all candidates.
- Thousands of residents of Belarus took to the streets to protest what they believe is a rigged vote count. Riot police violently cracked down on protesters.
- Belarus' Ministry of Internal Affairs said about 7,000 protesters had been detained in different cities since August 9. On the evening of August 13, the authorities started to release detainees.
- On August 14, the European Union announced it did not recognize the outcome of the presidential elections in Belarus and on August 19 leaders reportedly agreed on sanctions to be introduced over election rigging and violence against protesters.
- The March of Freedom, the largest protest in the history of Belarus, took place on August 16 in Minsk. Hundreds of thousands of people joined in.
- On August 20, the Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal probe into the attempt by the opposition to "seize power."
- Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed "foreign interference" in the election and the external efforts to foment protests. He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who had promised him comprehensive assistance upon request.
- Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin has warned of the possible use of army to disperse protesters rallying under the flags he claims were once used by Nazi troops.
- Within three days, namely on August 9-12, the Belarusian economy saw US$170 million in losses.
- Major industrial enterprises, including Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ), Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ), BelAZ, MZKT, and JSC Belaruskali, were shut down as of August 25, 2020.