Key Facts
• On September 11, it was revealed that eight companies held monthly meetings.
• These companies are suspected of forming a diesel price-fixing cartel.
• The companies control over 50% of the diesel market share.
• Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) conducted raids on September 10.
• Evidence suggests price adjustments for diesel sold to transport and construction firms.
• Six of the eight companies were previously investigated in May 2025.
• The earlier investigation involved price-fixing in Kanagawa Prefecture since 2019.
• The current investigation focuses on similar activities in Tokyo.
• The FTC is using its legal authority to seize evidence with court warrants.
• The investigation aims to determine long-term price maintenance efforts.
Summary
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission is investigating eight companies suspected of forming a diesel price-fixing cartel. These companies, which control over half of the diesel market, allegedly held monthly meetings to adjust prices for transport and construction firms in Tokyo. The investigation follows a similar case in Kanagawa Prefecture involving six of the same companies since 2019. Raids conducted on September 10 aim to uncover evidence of long-term price maintenance. The FTC is leveraging its legal authority to seize documents and analyze the extent of the cartel’s activities.
