Vilnius, January 10, 2025 – The Regional Administrative Court has upheld the Lithuanian Competition Council’s decision that certain rules governing access to congested railway sections, approved by the Minister of Transport and Communications, violated the Competition Law.
The court confirmed the Council’s finding that the rules, which prioritized an already operating rail freight carrier, LTG Cargo, over potential competitors, created discriminatory conditions and hindered market entry. The ruling emphasized the need for equal treatment of all economic entities in the rail freight market.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications had previously complied with the Council’s directive to amend the rules and paid a €40,530 fine but appealed to annul part of the resolution and reduce the fine. The court dismissed the appeal, finding no grounds to alter the Council’s decision.
The Ministry has 30 days to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania.
