Category: Competition and Markets Authority

UK to Set up Fuel Price Watch After Watchdog Finds Supermarkets Charged Extra Margin

Downing Street has agreed to set up a fuel price watching system after the competition watchdog found supermarkets had increased their profit margin by six pence per litre. In its final report on the road fuel market study, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said competition among fuel retailers has not been working well. It…


UK Scraps Action Against Ryanair, British Airways Over Refunds

LONDON—Britain’s competition regulator has scrapped its action against Ryanair and British Airways over their failure to offer refunds to passengers prevented from flying by COVID-19 restrictions, saying the legal position was unclear. During pandemic lockdowns, instead of offering refunds to those legally unable to fly, IAG-owned British Airways offered vouchers or rebooking, and Ryanair providing…


PCR Test Providers Warned Against Breaking Consumer Law

The competition watchdog has warned PCR COVID test providers that they risk enforcement action over misleading advertising and failing to deliver results on time. In an open letter to providers, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said a range of harmful practices, such as upfront prices that do not include additional charges and failing to…


Watchdog Looking at What ‘Immediate Actions’ Can Be Taken on Costly Travel Tests

The competition watchdog is looking at whether there are any “immediate actions” the government can take amid concerns about the high cost of PCR tests required for travel abroad. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had previously confirmed it will look into issues around testing, following a request from Health Secretary Sajid Javid, but said…


Google App Charges Subject of New UK Legal Claim

Google “unfairly and excessively” charges people for digital purchases in its Play Store, a new legal action brought against the tech giant in the UK claims. The action is seeking damages of up to £920 million ($1.284 billion) on behalf of 19.5 million Android phone users in the UK, claiming the 30 percent cut Google…


AstraZeneca’s $39 Billion Deal To Buy Alexion Given All-Clear

Coronavirus vaccine maker AstraZeneca has been given the all-clear by the UK competition watchdog to go ahead with its $39 billion (£28.2 billion) megadeal to buy U.S. drug company Alexion Pharmaceuticals. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had decided not to refer the acquisition for an in-depth investigation, paving the way for the…


Amazon, Google Face Formal Fake Review Inquiry in Britain

Britain’s competition regulator started a formal investigation on Friday into whether Amazon and Google may not have done enough to prevent or remove fake reviews. Along with regulators in the United States and the European Union, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has stepped up its scrutiny of big tech firms in recent years. The…