The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) completed two investigations in 2024. The first focused on the online provision of services by hotels and accommodation facilities, while the second examined the production and sale of baking soda.
In the first case, no restrictive agreement, such as an exclusive arrangement, was established. However, the GCCA issued two recommendations to address observed issues. In the second case, a violation involving unfair competition was identified, resulting in a fine being imposed on the violator.
At present, four investigations are ongoing, addressing potential concerns in the Rustavi auto market, the pharmaceutical sector, fish trade in Batumi, and the e-commerce market.
In 2024, the GCCA also issued decisions of inadmissibility on 11 complaints. The total fines imposed during the year amounted to 43,635.08 GEL. Of this, 14,635.08 GEL resulted from completed investigations, while 29,000 GEL was imposed as intermediate or repeated fines.
In 2024, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) published an impact assessment report “Ex-post Monitoring of the Market for State Procurement of Supervision Services for Construction Works.” The report aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the agency's decisions and monitor the implementation of recommendations issued during the study. The case study focused on the use of tender conditions that restricted competition in state procurements announced by municipalities such as Marneuli, Gori, Khashuri, Kareli, Kaspi, Dmanisi, Gardabani, and Tsalka for supervision services related to infrastructure construction projects. The impact assessment confirmed that the decisions made by the GCCA were implemented by the relevant state purchasing organizations. These agencies adjusted their tender conditions in accordance with the recommendations, leading to a positive impact on the sector's performance indicators.
In 2024, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) reviewed 22 notifications of concentrations. Approval was granted for 18 of these, while 4 cases remain under review. During the same period, 47,644 concentration transactions were verified. Violations were identified in 13 cases, with 1 case still under investigation. A total of GEL 263,985.09 in fines was imposed on entities for executing concentration transactions without the GCCA’s approval.
In 2024, the GCCA completed market monitoring for the hazelnut and blueberry sectors, concluding that both markets were competitive. Ongoing monitoring efforts continue in the retail trade and distribution (FMCG), auto fuel, and tobacco markets.
