Parliament Question: Market assessments by CCI to examine risks arising from monopoly or duopoly

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1167 ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 Market Assessments by CCI To Examine Risks Arising from Monopoly or Duopoly QUESTION 1167. Dr. Kanimozhi NVN Somu Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Competition Commission of India (CCI) undertakes studies or market assessments to examine risks arising from monopoly or duopoly situations in sectors such as fertilizers, coal, technology, airline and other key industries; (b) if so, the recent findings or observations of the CCI in this regard; and (c) the directions or measures issued to businesses to safeguard consumer interests and ensure fair pricing? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS. (SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA) (a) & (b) The Competition Commission of India (CCI) conducts market studies from time to time to develop a better understanding of competitive conditions across sector. The key findings of the market studies carried out by the Commission in last three years are as follows: (i) In October 2025, CCI released a market study on Artificial Intelligence and Competition to understand key AI system and markets/ecosystems. The findings of the study include self-audit of AI systems for competition compliance by businesses; improving transparency and reducing information asymmetry; focused advocacy and capacity building by CCI; continuation of Government policy initiatives; and inter- regulatory coordination and international cooperation.(ii) In 2024, the CCI conducted a market study on Diagnostic Medical Imaging Equipment Industry in India (Focused on MRI and CT scan). The findings of the study include that competition in the Diagnostic Medical Imaging (DMI) equipment market varies across the value chain. The market for new DMI equipment is oligopolistic, dominated by a few global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with high entry barriers, though buyer power keeps prices competitive. Hospitals and diagnostic centres exercise countervailing power, and end users benefit from competitive pricing, despite challenges, such as skill shortages and spare-part constraints. (iii) In 2023, the CCI conducted a market study on the Dynamics of Competition in the Mining Sector in India, with a Focus on Iron Ore. The findings of the study include that India is self-sufficient in iron ore, but the sector remains moderately to highly concentrated, dominated by a few public sector and legacy players. An analysis of the various provisions in the recent mining laws and its impact on competition outcomes found that the Mining and Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 appears to be supportive of the competition policy objectives. (c) As per Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, after inquiry into agreements or abuse of dominant position, the Commission is empowered to issue appropriate orders which include cease and desist directions, imposing penalties etc. No directions are issued on the basis of a Market Study. However, based on Market Studies, the CCI takes suitable measures for the promotion of competition advocacy, creating awareness and imparting training about competition issues. ******