Quick commerce platforms to face scrutiny from CCI after DPIIT flags concerns

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has referred a complaint of alleged unfair business practices against quick commerce players to the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

The complaint was submitted by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) to the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry. The federation complained about alleged anti-competitive practices of quick commerce companies and has also sought an investigation.

AICPDF, which claims to represent more than 4 lakh distributors across India, is reportedly concerned about the expansion of these platforms alleging that they are creating an uneven playing field and impacting small retailers.

The federation also plans to lodge a formal complaint with CCI against the quick commerce players for allegedly indulging in anti-competitive practices and seek a probe into their activities, according to a PTI report.

Last month, the body also wrote to the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighting the concerns about the unchecked expansion of the platforms.

"The rapid growth of quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy's Instamart is posing significant challenges to the traditional retail sector and the established Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) distribution network," it was said.