AMCU found anomalies in sugar prices in 90 chains
This was reported by the AMCU.
On 26 February 2026, the AMCU issued mandatory recommendations to 90 national and regional retail chains regarding the formation of retail prices for sugar.
The regulator noted that sugar is included in the list of basic food products and is a component of the consumer basket, and that retail pricing policy affects the level of provision of basic needs of the population.
While monitoring the competitive environment, the AMCU recorded asymmetry in price dynamics. Starting in April 2025, sugar producers reduced their selling prices, but retail chains did not reduce their shelf prices synchronously and in full.
The regulator also drew attention to the unjustified similarity of prices. According to its data, retailers set the cost of goods at the level of competitors, without taking into account differences in their own economic base, in particular the size of retail space, the number of retail outlets and sales volumes.
The AMCU emphasised that such practices may contain signs of violation of the legislation on the protection of economic competition and have a negative impact on the market. In this regard, 90 companies were recommended to refrain from actions or inaction that could lead to artificial restriction of competition.