The Competition Commission of Mauritius received 133 complaints and notifications during the 2025-2026 financial year. These complaints were distributed across various sectors of the economy. The commission identified and categorized these complaints to determine the sectors with the most issues. This information was published in the seventh edition of the commission's newsletter. The newsletter highlights the commission's efforts to preserve competition, which in turn affects consumer choice, prices, and interests.
The commerce sector, including supermarkets and distribution, had the highest number of complaints, with 29 cases reported. The "Other sectors" category had 25 complaints, while banking, financial services, and insurance had 19 complaints. The transport and logistics sector, including maritime, land, and courier services, had 15 complaints. Other sectors with notable complaints include telecommunications and digital markets (9), pharmaceutical products and healthcare (9), tourism, hospitality, and leisure (7), and technology and IT services (5).
Out of the 133 complaints received, 28 cases were subject to further investigation. These included 22 preliminary inquiries and six investigations. The sectors affected by these investigations include media, advertising, entertainment, transport and logistics, retail commerce, banking and financial services, and pharmaceuticals. The commission's actions aim to address potential anticompetitive practices and ensure fair market competition.
The Competition Commission intervened in several cases to promote competition and protect consumer interests. One notable case involved the banking sector, where the commission investigated the bundling of insurance products with credit services. It was found that borrowers were often directed to specific insurance providers when taking out mortgages, limiting their ability to compare offers. The commission's intervention allowed borrowers to choose from at least three different insurance providers.
Another significant case involved a merger between Holcim Ltd and Lafarge SA, which raised concerns about reduced competition in the cement market. The commission required the divestiture of one party's cement activities in Mauritius to an independent operator. This measure ensured that multiple suppliers remained in the market, preserving consumer choice and promoting competition.
The commission also investigated a case involving a poultry supplier that had coordinated with retailers to set resale prices for certain chicken products. This practice led to uniform retail prices and limited price competition. As a result, the supplier was fined approximately Rs 4.08 million and required to cease the practice, allowing for restored price competition.
Vipin Naugah, Executive Director of the Competition Commission, emphasized the importance of effective competition law enforcement and policy. He stated that when consumers have choices between different sellers, businesses are incentivized to offer better prices, improve quality, and enhance customer service. The commission's efforts aim to contribute to the economic well-being of Mauritius by promoting fair competition.
Key points
- The Competition Commission of Mauritius received 133 complaints in 2025-2026, with a focus on sectors like commerce, financial services, and transport.
- The commission initiated 28 investigations, including 22 preliminary inquiries and six investigations, to address potential anticompetitive practices.
- The commission's interventions in various cases promoted competition and protected consumer interests, resulting in better choices, prices, and services for consumers.
