CCI may start investigation against Asian Paints, Birla Opus has complained

News Topical, Digital Desk : Anti-trust complaint is filed when one company or party feels that the other company or party is taking such steps which are against the rules of competition.

Earlier media reports citing sources have said that Birla Opus has alleged that Asian Paints, abusing its market dominance, pressured retailers not to sell Birla Opus Paints products. Also, they were warned of limiting their credit facility and supply if they do so.

Sources also said that the complaint states that Asian Paints had allegedly warned its dealers that if they put up hoardings or advertisements of Birla Opus, their supply would be cut. Asian Paints has a 52 per cent share in India's Rs 79,000 crore or $9.5 billion paint industry and the company is in a leading position in the market, but its market share has declined since the launch of Birla Opus in February 2024. According to the data, Birla Opus has gained about 7 per cent market share by March 2025. According to a Reuters report, after the complaint was lodged, Asian Paints has demanded through a letter from CCI that it should be given an opportunity to respond before taking any decision. This letter has not been made public. In this letter, Asian Paints also said that the rapid growth of Birla Opus is proof that there is no major barrier to entry in this sector and the company has not taken any step which is against the rules of competition. It is worth noting that in 2022, JSW Paints also filed a similar complaint against Asian Paints, which was rejected by CCI. Birla Opus has invested Rs 10,000 crore i.e. $ 1.2 billion in this business and currently has 5 paint plants operational. At the same time, Asian Paints has recorded a revenue of Rs 29,400 crore in 2024-25 and its 26 factories are operational worldwide. 

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