TITLE: Swedish Competition Authority Issues Guidance on Protecting Competition During Market Disruptions
BODY:
On June 30, 2026, the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket) published guidance recommending that companies and public actors maintain effective competition when managing market disruptions. The authority issued the recommendations to address risks to competition arising from supply shocks—sudden changes in the availability of goods or services—such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The Swedish Competition Authority emphasised that competition remains critical before, during, and after market disruptions or crises. Functioning competition creates incentives for efficient resource use, productivity, and innovation, enabling markets to adapt to changed circumstances. Conversely, weak competition can prolong disruptions and slow recovery, while consumers face risks including unjustified price increases when firms face reduced competitive pressure.
The guidance sets out recommendations to mitigate risks of competition restrictions. Companies must make business decisions independently during disruptions and avoid exchanging commercially sensitive information—such as future prices or pricing strategies—with competitors. Any collaborations must be necessary, proportionate, and time-limited. When public actors or organisations convene competing firms to address disruptions, it is critical to minimise risks that such collaborations or information exchanges undermine competition. Particular risks include firms sharing commercially sensitive data and participating firms gaining unfair advantages or disadvantages compared to excluded competitors.
The Swedish Competition Authority recommends that competition considerations be integrated into measures addressing severe market disruptions. Given that disruptions and market conditions vary, the impact on competition must be analysed case-by-case. The authority offers its expertise to support such analysis.