Budapest, 28 November 2018 –The Hungarian Competition Authority investigated the alleged abuse of a dominant position by Balatoni Hajózási Zrt. As a result of the proceedings, the undertaking has taken several steps to boost competition and has also undertaken to take further innovative measures. In view of the commitment, the Authority did not find any infringement in the case and did not impose a fine.
In February 2015, the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) launched a competition supervision procedure against Balatoni Hajózási Zrt. (Bahart) on suspicion of abuse of dominant position. The company, which is a major player in the Balaton shipping industry, also provides passenger shipping services in addition to port operation. The company has competitors for its non-scheduled services (e.g. cruises and programme cruises), which use Bahart's port services. The Competition Authority assumed that a company with a dominant position in the market for public port services on Lake Balaton had set the fees and conditions for the use of the docks in a way that was capable of restricting competition.
In its proceedings, the GVH examined Bahart's conduct and the relevant market conditions in detail. The undertaking has offered commitments to remedy the competition concerns raised, after having received the preliminary views of the Competition Authority. Already in the 2018 summer season, the company has taken measures to improve the competitive conditions for cruise and tour operators: it has reduced port fees by 10%, increased the area of berths available for competitors and increased the advertising space provided for them.
Bahart has also made commitments to shape its future behaviour, including the introduction of accounting unbundling, reform of its pricing system and further reduction of own-use port facilities.
The company will carry out a renewal of its accounting and pricing system under the expert supervision of the Commissioner for Audit to prevent and control pricing competition problems.
Official registration number of the case: VJ/14/2015.
GVH Public Service Communications Section
Further information:
Bálint Horváth, Head of Communication +36 20 238 6939
Katalin Gondolovics, Spokesperson +36 30 603 1170