Public enterprises, policy and impact on competition- case of steel and petroleum (2008)

Competition,

Regulation,

It is increasingly accepted that greater levels of competition in the manufacturing sector are in the country’s long term interest. However in today’s liberal economic regime it is not clear as to what role are the PSE’s playing in improving competition levels in the country. The link between public sector presence in sectors of economy and competition levels need to be better understood. This study taking the case of Steel and petroleum refinery sectors examines the nature of competition in these sectors and studies the entry barriers. It also ascertains the existence of any anti competitive practices in these sectors and identifies if state ownership of commercial enterprises in each of these sectors has impacted Government policy, practices and regulations. The study also identifies means to serve best the consumer and competitive interest in an environment of state enterprise dominance in market share.