CCI holds off: Quick commerce gets relief

Predatory pricing claims by trade body shadow instant commerce growth

- Gireesh Chandra Prasad & Dhirendra Kumar

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is unlikely to open an investigation of its own accord into allegations of anti-competitive practices by quick commerce services including Zepto, Instamart and Blinkit, according to two persons privy to the development.

Earlier, the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) had approached the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) raising concerns about quick commerce firms, which was referred to CCI. The trade body also separately approached the CCI, expressing concerns and alleging preferential treatment and listing of certain sellers on these platforms and alleged deep discounting practices, Mint had reported on 25 October.