In more detail
Following a statement by the Oil Mill Owners Chamber setting a price of 250 millimes per kilogram for olive pressing for the 2025–2026 season, the Council opened an investigation in mid-October 2025, believing that fixing the olive pressing price between the members of the Oil Mill Owners Chamber could amount to an anti-competitive cartel.
Following the Council’s statement, the Oil Mill Owners Chamber tried to argue that the price set by the Oil Mill Owners Chamber is not mandatory and that the harvest season had not yet started. Therefore, the discussions were merely preparatory for the upcoming season.
One week after the start of the investigation, the Council adopted an interim measure, ordering the suspension of the olive pressing pricing policy established by the Oil Mill Owners Chamber pending a final decision by the Council.
It is noteworthy that Tunisia has been ranked within the top four countries worldwide in terms of the volume of olive oil production over the past five years. This means that Tunisia is an important market player in the global market for olive oil. Moreover, it is the second most important export from Tunisia. Most of its exports are to EU member states.
This is not the first time that the Council has issued a cease and desist order and/or infringement decisions against similar chambers and associations of competitors. On 17 January 2025, the Council issued a similar cease and desist order against the National Council of Doctors against the set tariffs for medical checkups and procedures.
Key takeaways
A number of takeaways can be noted from the above investigation:
- The Council is increasing its antitrust enforcement activities, with a sharp focus on cartel conduct.
- The Council issued the cease-and-desist order within only one week from the beginning of the investigation, indicating that it is prepared to take rapid action.
- The case confirms that the Council is closely monitoring statements and policies issued by Chambers and Unions that may have a negative impact on market competition.
- The Council confirmed the by object approach it adopts in relation to hardcore cartels. Despite the fact that the harvest season has not yet started and the parties have not implemented the fixed price for olive pressing, the Council believes that the act itself—without implementation—raises serious concerns.
- Further developments are expected as the Council proceeds to examine the substance of the case.
- The Council is not deterred by the important position of Tunisia and the mill owners in the olive oil production market worldwide. This demonstrates the independence and ability of the Council to tackle anticompetitive practices in various sectors of the economy.
