Meeting of the permanent commission

The Permanent Commission of the Competition Council held its meeting on Monday, March 16, 2020, as part of the emergency consultation procedure set by law for the processing of the opinion request submitted to the council by the Minister of Economy, Finance and Administrative Reform, regarding the regulation of prices for hydroalcoholic gels and protective masks, due to the spread of the Covid-19 Virus which has transitioned from an epidemic to a pandemic according to the World Health Organization.

After a thorough examination of all legal aspects, and considering that the measure envisaged by the Government aims to counteract speculations resulting from the increase in national and international demand for these two products, in the context of preventive measures deployed by the public authorities, the Competition Council considered that this opinion request from the Government is admissible as it meets the conditions stipulated by Article 4 of Law No. 104.12 on price freedom and competition.

In this context, the Competition Council also recommends the adoption of temporary measures regarding the regulation of hydroalcoholic gels and protective masks, for a period not exceeding six (6) months, extendable only once.