## Comisión Federal de Competencia Imposes Almost 30 Times More Fines Since Becoming Autonomous
Between 2022 and 2023, the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece) issued fines amounting to 5 billion pesos, representing almost 30 times more than the sanctions imposed between 2011 and 2012, before obtaining constitutional autonomy.
“This comparison highlights the increased capacity of the Commission to impact strategic sectors, always aiming to protect the interests of the population,” noted the organization, led by Andrea Marván Saltiel.
In the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP) market, Cofece imposed the highest fine in its history, amounting to 2 billion pesos, along with disqualifying executives. Similarly, in the terrestrial passenger transport market— the main mode of transport in the country—sanctions exceeded 1 billion pesos, and executives from implicated companies were disqualified.
In light of the August 23rd approval by the Constitutional Points Commission of the Chamber of Deputies to eliminate seven autonomous bodies, Cofece stated that international trends support the need to strengthen and protect the autonomy of regulatory bodies in competition matters.
The occupational structure approved by the Full Board of Cofece for 2024 includes 481 structured positions and 18 temporary ones. The approved budget for the organization is 687 million 866 thousand 026 pesos, representing a real increase of 0.12% compared to 2023. Of the total budget, 72% is allocated for payroll, the Commission specified.
As of July 31, 2024, there were 24 investigations for monopolistic practices and illegal concentrations, 51 concentrations under review, 21 opinions on bidding processes, concessions, or permits, and 4 investigations to determine the existence of essential inputs or barriers to competition.
“We cannot comment on the implications that would arise if the organic simplification resolution is approved, as we do not know what the resulting institutional arrangement would be,” Cofece stated in a note sent to TJGringo.com.
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