Cade opens inquiry to investigate high gasoline prices

The president of Cade (Administrative Council for Economic Defense), Alexandre Cordeiro, determined the opening of an investigation into the increase in fuel prices at the turn of the year.

The decision was forwarded to the SG (General Superintendence) of the body on the morning of this Wednesday (4). The superintendence is responsible for such investigations in the municipality.

In the request, based on newspaper articles that cite the increases, Cordeiro points out that, if proven, the increase may be a “competitive infringement of the collusive class, that is, similar to a cartel and, therefore, having the same harmful effects on competition” .

“It is also noteworthy that the allegedly illicit facts, if thus proven, also constitute a crime against the economic order […] the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office should be aware of this order and the investigation to be opened in order, if it deems it convenient, to adopt the appropriate measures for criminal prosecution”, he added.

The increase in the price of gasoline would have happened in view of the expectation of the return of the Pis charge on fuel, which was expected to happen at the beginning of this year.

President Lula (PT), however, edited an MP (Provisional Measure) extending the benefit for 60 days in the case of gasoline.

The measure taken by Cade was not the only one taken by the federal government in relation to the supposed increase in the price of gasoline at the turn of the year.

The Ministry of Justice, commanded by Flavio Dino (PSB) sent a letter to representatives of fuel distributors questioning about the increase. Depending on the response, the Ministry of Justice may take some persecutory action.