ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) team have conducted simultaneous raids in Lahore and Gujranwala on the offices of four suppliers allegedly involved in collusion in bids for the supply of transformer repair materials to various power distribution companies (DISCOs).
An official has cited the name of M/so Crown Winding Wire.
These companies are suspected of collaborating with each other and other firms to manipulate the bidding process for tenders related to the supply of transformers, repair materials, and other related equipment, thereby compromising transparency. The Competition Commission is conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the suspected collusion among suppliers in material supply tenders to DISCOs.
This investigation was initiated following a complaint from the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which raised concerns about several suppliers submitting identical bid prices. A review of the bidding data revealed that companies were frequently submitting the same prices and appeared to be dividing the tenders among themselves.
Collusion in public bidding is a violation of competition law. Such practices not only harm fair competition but also result in significant financial losses to the national exchequer.
If the ongoing investigation confirms evidence of collusion, the Competition Commission will issue show-cause notices to the involved companies and initiate formal legal proceedings.
The Commission urges the public to report any anti-competitive activities. Individuals who provide accurate and verifiable information may be eligible for a reward ranging from Rs 0.2 million to Rs 2 million.
