CCI Awaits Details On Complaint Against Quick Commerce Firms
The complaint was filed by the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The Competition Commission of India, which has received a complaint against quick commerce companies for anti-competitive practices, is awaiting further details from the complainant before making a decision.
The complaint was filed by the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur said the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade had forwarded the complaint, which accuses the quick commerce firms of engaging in predatory pricing and other anti-competitive practices, to the regulator.
"CCI has asked the informant to furnish details and information as per the requirements of the Competition Act. Reminders have also been sent to the informant to furnish the requisite information," Kaur told PTI in a recent interview.
The watchdog initially evaluates a complaint to determine if there are any apparent violations of competition laws. If violations are found, the matter is referred for a detailed investigation by its director general.
In the case of the complaint against quick commerce companies, the CCI will collect the necessary information, and then the full commission will review the complaint.
When asked, AICPDF President Darshil Patil said the association plans to file a formal complaint against the quick commerce companies.
"We will be filing a proper petition (complaint) along with all evidence against the quick commerce entities before CCI in the next 10–15 days," he told PTI.
The AICPDF, which claims to represent around 8 lakh entities, is concerned about the expansion of quick commerce platforms, alleging that they are creating an uneven playing field and impacting small retailers.
The rapid growth of quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy's Instamart is posing significant challenges to the traditional retail sector and the established Fast Moving Consumer Goods distribution network, the federation had said in the complaint.
The quick commerce market in India is currently valued at approximately $5 billion.
In the quick commerce space, companies like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy's Instamart have established a strong presence. Recently, ride-hailing player Ola, also announced its entry into this segment.
(With PTI Inputs)
