Case References: CE/9278/10
Start date: April 2010
Next update: Summer 2012
The OFT is investigating an alleged breach of Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union by CH Jones Limited trading as 'Keyfuels'.
The OFT launched an investigation after being contacted by the complainant, UK Fuels, in April 2010.
On 25 February 2011 the OFT issued a Statement of Objections alleging that CH Jones Limited has abused its dominant position in the market for the provision of bunker fuel card services to direct bunkering customers, often the owners of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleets.
In addition, the OFT alleges that CH Jones Limited has used its dominant position in the above market to undertake abusive conduct in the market for the provision of pay as you go (PAYG) fuel card services to customers operating HGV fleets.
The OFT alleges that CH Jones Limited has engaged in a strategy composed of several elements, including the use of exclusive agreements with bunker fuel sites, with the objective of excluding a rival fuel card supplier, UK Fuels, from and restricting competition in the relevant markets.
In September/October 2011, CH Jones Limited provided to the OFT its written and oral representations on the matters contained in the Statement of Objections. The OFT is continuing to investigate this matter in light of these representations.
The OFT intends to issue an update on the progress of the investigation during the Summer of 2012.
No assumption should be made at this stage that there has been an infringement of competition law.
Simon Nichols (020 7211 8127, Simon.Nichols@oft.gsi.gov.uk)
Peter Lukacs (020 7211 8473, Peter.Lukacs@oft.gsi.gov.uk)
Clive Maxwell (020 7211 8950, clive.maxwell@oft.gsi.gov.uk)
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