Johannesburg-Sasol Nitro said July 14 that South Africa’s Competition Tribunal has postponed its confirmation of the order (GM July 12, p. 13) proposed by the Competition Commission of South Africa and Sasol Nitro, a division of Sasol Chemical Industries Ltd. The order is to confirm the settlement agreement concluded between the Commission and Sasol Nitro relating to allegations of abuse of dominance in its fertilizer businesses. Under it, Sasol Nitro would shed some five regional blending plants, among other things. “We look forward to the conclusion of this matter as it will bring to an end a period of uncertainty within the fertilizer industry and recognize the importance of members of industry working together with regulators to achieve lasting and workable solutions,” said Marius Brand, managing director, Sasol Nitro. The Competition Tribunal will announce its decision in due course after considering submissions by various parties. Those other parties include Omnia Fertiliser, a unit of Omnia Holdings Ltd., and African Explosives, a unit of AECI. Both of these are expected to file objections to the settlement. Reports are that Omnia is a potential buyer of some of the shed units, should the settlement proceed.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain