Antitrust authority opens probe into alleged biofuel cartel

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 19 - Italy's Antitrust authority has opened an investigation into eight fuel companies over an alleged cartel linked to their biofuel blending obligations, Staffetta Quotidiana reported on Wednesday.
    The newspaper dedicated to energy said Eni, Esso Italiana, Saras, Kuwait Petroleum Italia, Tamoil Italia, Repsol Italia, Italiana Petroli and Iplom are being probed for allegedly fixing biofuel prices through a system of public announcements published in Staffetta Quotidiana itself.
    On Wednesday the competition watchdog reportedly carried out inspections at the newspaper's offices and those of the oil companies to ascertain a possible breach of European Union rules regulating commercial practices that prevent, restrict or distort competition.
    Photo: President of Italy's Antitrust authority Roberto Rustichelli. (ANSA).