Asahi India, Saint-Gobian India & Gujarat Guardian, & their association AIFGMA, are under investigation by anti-monopoly organization MRTPC for suspected cartelization & price rigging. The Monopolies & Restrictive Trade Practices Commission is looking into the trading pattern of the industry as well as the role of the All India Flat Glass Manufacturing Association (AIFGMA) & some leading members. The Commission is said to suspect that some of key players were influencing the price. Reports suggested that the glassmakers have been operating as a cartel since the mid-nineties & have been hiking prices & controlling supplies in the domestic market. Sources also said that MRTPC has also decided to see whether the big three manufacturers were indulging in similar practices for which they were fined by the EU Competition Commission in November 2007. Once the investigation starts, probe notices will be sent to the companies and if found guilty of price rigging, the case would be referred to the Commission to begin judicial proceedings against them, the sources added. Allahabad-based Triveni Glass is another key player in the Indian flat glass industry, which is also likely to come under MRTPC scanner, the sources added.
