Landmark ruling - PKP Cargo fined zł. 40 million

The Competition and Consumer Protection Office (UOKiK) punished PKP Cargo with zł.40 million fine for violating anti-monopolistic regulations by imposing unfavorable terms in contracts which its clients had to agree to. According to the Office, PKP impeded the creation and development of competition on the market. For example one clause forced clients to use PKP Cargo for a number of years without the right of using any competitor during that time. The fine has an immediate deadline for execution, but the company objects to the verdict and the sentence. UOKiK's decision means that the appeal court will have only two weeks to decide whether the fine was imposed properly, rather than forcing PKP Cargo to pay it quickly. The firm claims that it improved its contracts and that UOKiK did not take into account the specific nature of the domestic market. Opinions concerning this issue are divided, as some experts believe it was unprecedented and important decision. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, B1) M.M.