Japan Cracks Down on Unscrupulous Businesses Forming a "Price Cartel" for Diesel
On March 4, the Tokyo District Prosecutors' Office Special Investigation Department began searching the offices of several companies, as they are suspected of violating the Antimonopoly Law (Unfair Trade Restriction Act). Eight companies operating gas stations are involved in setting up a "price cartel" when selling diesel to enterprises such as transportation companies.
In September 2025, the Japan Fair Trade Commission conducted a forced investigation on eight companies, suspecting them of violating the antitrust law. This investigation is aimed at the prosecution department to bring criminal charges.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Department officially started questioning company executives from January 26, and during the process, it seems that it was decided that a compulsory search was necessary to clarify the details.
The eight companies suspected of forming a price cartel are ENEOS Wing (Aichi), "Enexfleet" (Osaka), "Shinshokko" (Fukuoka), "Sun Oil" (Tokyo), "Kitaseki" (Miyagi), "Yoshida Petroleum Store" (Kagawa), and "Kyoei Petroleum" (Tokyo).
According to investigators, sales representatives from each company took turns serving as secretary and held regular meetings to manipulate the price of diesel sold to Tokyo transportation companies.
Through an online software called "Fleet SS," which is connected with transportation companies, it mainly targets transportation companies with large vehicles (such as diesel trucks) and also includes large express delivery companies.
On May 25, the Japan Fair Trade Commission conducted on-site inspections of six companies, excluding Kyoei Petroleum and Shinshokko, due to suspicion of forming a price cartel in the sale of diesel in Kanagawa Prefecture. During the investigation, it was found that there may also be a similar price cartel in Tokyo.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858699143759939/
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