The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) says it has ordered several companies to pay over K20 million in fines and refunds for engaging in anti-competitive business practices and committing different offences.

Addressing a news conference in Lilongwe, CFTC acting executive director Apoche Itimu said the commission considered and adjudicated over 74 cases in the second quarter of 2022.

She said the cases included 60 cases on unfair trading practices, two cases on mergers, and 12 cases on anti-competitive business practices.

Itimu said: “Specifically, eight companies were ordered to pay fines totaling K6 million while four companies were ordered to pay refunds of over K14 million to consumers for committing different offences.”

On mergers, the Commission adjudicated acquisition of Stock and Rolling Assets from Lonagro Malawi Limited by Tata Zambia Limited in Malawi’s Agriculture and Construction Equipment Industry.

According to the information submitted by the parties, the proposed transaction involves TATA Zambia Limited acquiring control over a John Deere business from LonAgro Malawi Limited, which operates under Lonrho Africa Limited and is actively involved in the supply of agriculture and construction equipment.

Under unfair trading practices, CFTC launched an investigation against Autocom Japan-Lilongwe Office, on allegations of misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct.

“The Complainant alleged that he purchased a vehicle (Nissan Latio) through Autocom JP Lilongwe office for which he paid US$2,700 (MK2,216,700.00).

The Complainant also paid MRA duty amounting to MK1,174,702.00. The Complainant further paid delivery fees amounting to MK585,000.00. However, the vehicle was never delivered,” Itimu said.

The Respondent was ordered to reimburse the Complainant the amount of US$2799 or the current Malawi Kwacha equivalent, which is the cost of the motor vehicle.