Uzbekistan’s Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights has initiated a case against Uzbekneftegaz, a state-owned company, for alleged violations of the Law on Competition in connection with two tenders totalling UZS 4.8bn (nearly $380,000).

According to Otabek Usmanov, a spokesperson for the agency, the investigation was prompted by an examination of the two tenders posted on the state procurement portal. The Committee’s department discovered that Uzbekneftegaz had breached Article 29 of the Competition Law, which strictly prohibits activities that restrict competition during tender processes.

The case has been opened based on findings that indicate non-compliance with the Competition Law and related regulations, including those outlined in a 2005 resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers. The Committee is currently reviewing the details of the case and will release further information once a decision has been made.

This development underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to upholding competitive practices within its state-run enterprises, particularly in the context of public procurement. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially influencing the broader regulatory environment.