The President of the Polish competition authority (UOKiK) has raised allegations against four companies involved in the supply of gas meters for the national gas distribution system operator. These actions may have led to significant losses for the state treasury and indirectly affected all gas consumers.

According to UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny, the companies allegedly met in discreet locations, such as hotels, to discuss and coordinate their bids for tenders organized by the Polish Gas Company (PSG). The companies involved are Apator Metrix, Intergaz, Fiorentini Polska, and Elektrometal. The suspected collusion may have occurred between 2014 and 2021 during regular tender processes.

It is believed that instead of competing for contracts, the companies may have colluded to determine which one would win specific tenders. This behavior could have resulted in financial losses for the national gas distribution operator and, by extension, the state. UOKiK has indicated that the companies communicated through various means, including phone calls and messaging apps, to coordinate their actions.

Participation in such anti-competitive agreements can lead to fines of up to 10% of a company's annual turnover. However, companies may avoid severe penalties through a leniency program, which allows them to reduce or eliminate fines by cooperating with UOKiK and providing evidence of the collusion.

UOKiK is also encouraging anonymous whistleblowers to report anti-competitive practices through a dedicated online platform, ensuring complete anonymity for those who come forward.