France fines TotalEnergies, Rubis and EG Group $217M over Corsica antitrust breaches

France's competition watchdog has imposed a $217 million fine on TotalEnergies, Rubis and EG Group for anti-competitive practices in Corsica's retail fuel market. The Autorité de la concurrence concluded that the companies engaged in conduct that restricted competition on the island, leading to higher prices and reduced choice for consumers.

The decision centers on supply and commercial arrangements affecting service stations across Corsica. According to the regulator, practices under scrutiny included contractual clauses and commercial coordination that limited the ability of independent operators to compete on price and to secure fuel supplies from alternative sources. The ruling says those measures distorted the local market and created barriers to entry for rival retailers.

The authority emphasized that regional markets like Corsica—where geography and logistics already constrain competition—are especially vulnerable to such behaviour. By targeting agreements and distribution practices that effectively partitioned the market, the watchdog said it acted to preserve consumer welfare and the integrity of the retail fuel sector.

The fined amount totals $217 million and is shared among the three companies. The affected firms are likely to review the decision and consider their legal options; in past cases, companies in the energy sector have frequently appealed sizeable competition rulings. Statements from the firms were pending at the time of the announcement.

Market watchers say the sanction highlights continued regulatory scrutiny of fuel distribution chains and could prompt broader contractual and operational changes across networks that serve isolated or island markets. Investors may also monitor any fallout for retail fuel margins and regional pricing dynamics.

The ruling underscores the Autorité de la concurrence’s focus on both national and regional market structures. It signals that authorities will continue to pursue enforcement where commercial arrangements harm competition, particularly in sensitive local markets where consumers have fewer alternatives.