Indian soda ash consumers are claiming that a recent ruling by India's Monopolies & Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) protecting its right to try a key legal battle over imports of US soda ash is not justified and should be invalidated. In 1996, MRTPC imposed a temporary injunction on soda ash imports by the American Natural Soda Ash Corp (ANSAC), which blocked a shipment of 23,000/t soda ash. The decision was based on prima facie evidence that ANSAC acted as a cartel and was guilty of predatory prices. ANSAC has denied both carges, and together with India's glass manufacturers, which account for almost 16% of India's soda ash demand, argue that the case should focus on dumping allegations, and therefore be brought before India's anti-dumping directorate. The All India Glass Manufacturers Fed said they plan to file an appeal.
