As Romanians gear up for the Easter break, eggs are once again in high demand — but this year, eggs are drawing some other kind of attention. Earlier today, the Romanian Competition Council (RCC) issued a public warning[1] following statements made by egg producers who announced an expected price increase ahead of the holidays, citing various pressures such as cost constraints and the tax unpredictability in Romania.
While the reasons invoked may sound familiar, the RCC made it clear: such public declarations, especially when made collectively or through industry associations, can be considered facilitating practices under competition law. In other words, even without a formal agreement, these announcements may reduce uncertainty among competitors and amount to a concerted practice — a serious antitrust concern.
The RCC’s warning is a timely reminder for all market players: public price signalling can lead to investigations and fines, especially in periods of predictable demand spikes like Easter. Businesses, particularly in sectors with sensitive pricing and seasonal dynamics, should avoid any public communication that could be interpreted as coordinating with competitors.
Beyond eggs, the message is clear and widely applicable — from retailers to manufacturers in all industries. As the RCC reinforces its proactive stance, companies should ensure internal compliance protocols are robust and that communication — whether through press releases, interviews, or social media — does not cross the line into price coordination.
So this Easter, while consumers hunt for the best deals, the competition authority will be on the lookout too.
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