Unlike in most cartels where companies conspire to increase their sales prices, the four recycling companies colluded to reduce the purchase price paid to scrap dealers and collectors for used car batteries.

The Commission invites Member States to: – in preparation for the discussions at the February 2014 European Council, based on the Commission's report, assess the impact of all national measures on the price of energy for EII such as taxation, capacity and network levies, tariffs and support mechanisms for renewables or other energy forms, – on this basis, consider appropriate measures to reduce the price of energy for EII in the respect of fiscal consolidation, competition rules and the integrity of the internal market, – consider establishing earmarking ETS revenues for RDI projects for EII, – step up efforts to decrease the gap of aver ...[+++]age energy prices and costs between the EU industry and its main competitors by strengthening market functioning and security of supply in the energy sector, – assess initiatives related to pooled electricity generation, long term contracts and partnerships, – exchange best practice and share information.

In addition, the Eurochem Group claimed the influence over price quotations is theoretical since it would be contrary to its own commercial interest to set a lower selling price for its ammonium nitrate of EU origin in order to reduce the indexed Minimum Import Prices for the ammonium nitrate of Russian origin.

RPM also undermines the incentive for the supplier to cut its price to its distributors, as the fixed resale price will prevent it from benefiting from expanded sales.

Similarly, public information exchange about current input prices can lower search costs for companies, which would normally benefit consumers through lower final prices.

* Competition is still limited but has successfully reduced prices in some Member States, especially where alternative networks exist e.g. in Belgium where there is nearly 100% cable penetration, ADSL prices are amongst the lowest in Europe (and broadband penetration one of the highest).