The Competition Appeal Court has dismissed an application by Sasol Gas to review the investigation by the Competition Commission into alleged excessive pricing of natural piped gas. This comes after an investigation by the commission found that Sasol Gas has been allegedly charging its customers inflated prices of about 70% for almost 10 years.
Sasol Gas does, however, argue that the National Energy Regulatory Commission of South Africa (NERSA) has the sole jurisdiction to deal with Sasol Gas’ conduct. Competition Commission of South Africa Chief Legal Counsel, Bakhe Majenge further explains.
“NERSA is the sector-specific regulator in terms of the Gas Act, and it is empowered to issue pipe gas licenses as well as set a maximum price for pipe gas. So it is within that context that the question arose as to whether, indeed, in the light of that regulatory framework set out in the Gas Act, the competition authority has jurisdiction to investigate and to prosecute excessive pricing in the pipe gas market.”
The Competition Appeal Court has dismissed #Sasol Gas’ review application of our investigation into the alleged excessive pricing of natural piped gas. This paves the way for us to proceed with the prosecution of Sasol Gas before @comptrib. Read more at https://t.co/WQiUgkrzFa pic.twitter.com/MzuDCf3khe
— CompComSA (@CompComSA) March 5, 2024
