- The French Competition Authority fined TotalEnergies over a 2016 contractual clause related to Corsica's oil depots.
- TotalEnergies argues the clause had no adverse effect on Corsican distributors or consumers.
- The company plans to appeal the decision before the Paris Court of Appeal.
- TotalEnergies is reviewing its marketing activities in Corsica due to the fine's impact on profitability.
Background
TotalEnergies has been fined by the French Competition Authority concerning a 2016 contractual clause related to the supply of petroleum products in Corsica. The clause governs access to oil depots for shareholders who invested in these depots.
Company's Position
TotalEnergies contests the decision, arguing that the investigation, which spanned four years and included numerous hearings and site visits, found no tangible evidence of anti-competitive effects in Corsica. The company maintains that the clause did not adversely affect the local distributor or consumers.
Operational Impact
The local distributor in Corsica, which filed the complaint, was able to continue sourcing fuel from TotalEnergies and other shareholders, even increasing its supply volumes. TotalEnergies has been operating in Corsica for 60 years, with a network of 47 service stations.
Next Steps
TotalEnergies plans to appeal the decision before the Paris Court of Appeal. Additionally, due to the fine's disproportionate nature compared to the profitability of its operations on the island, the company is initiating a strategic review of its marketing activities in Corsica.
