Brava: Traders accuse Cabo Verde Interilhas of unfair competition and "tied selling" in cargo transportation

According to reports gathered from several Bravense traders, CVI makes it a condition for the shipment of goods that they must use their vehicles and pallets, renting them out to the traders, even when they have their own means of transporting the cargo to the port of destination. "We have our own cars, we pay for drivers, maintenance and fuel, but we are prevented from taking the cargo in our vehicles. The order is clear: if it's not in the CVI's cars, the cargo won't go on board," says one trader, anonymously, fearing reprisals.

This situation is seen by traders as a clear violation of market rules and free competition. By forcing the contracting of its logistics services as a condition for maritime transportation, CVI is, according to the complainants, practicing "tied selling", a practice prohibited by law, as it limits the customer's freedom of choice and imposes additional costs that end up making basic necessities more expensive.

The traders warn that this practice has direct consequences for the final cost of the products sold on Brava, an island that is already heavily penalized due to its insular status, the irregularity of maritime connections and the small size of the market. The compulsory rental of CVI vehicles and pallets is, they say, yet another hidden tax on top of freight, delays and losses caused by transport faults.

"Every extra cost they impose on us ends up being reflected in the price to the consumer. Then people complain that everything is expensive, but few know that we're paying for services we didn't choose and don't need," says another trader. In addition to the impact on prices, economic operators say that the imposition creates delays in the logistics process, reduces flexibility and jeopardizes regular supplies to the island, especially during critical periods such as Christmas and New Year.

From the traders' point of view, CVI is using its dominant position in maritime transport to expand parallel commercial activities, competing unfairly with those who depend exclusively on trade to survive. "CVI controls access to the ship. When the same company that controls boarding starts selling obligatory additional services, there is no longer fair competition," they lament.

Some traders argue that the CVI should stick to its core mission - ensuring regular and efficient maritime transportation between the islands - and not impose ancillary logistical services as a condition for loading cargo. "We're not against the CVI providing these services, as long as they're optional. The problem is making them compulsory," they stress.

Faced with the seriousness of the accusations, the Brava traders are calling for urgent intervention by the competent authorities, namely the Regulatory Agency, the Competition Authority and the Cape Verdean government itself. They are calling for an investigation into whether competition and consumer protection laws are being violated.

The economic operators are also demanding clear and transparent rules that guarantee equal treatment, freedom of choice and an end to practices they consider abusive. "We're not asking for privileges. We're just asking to be allowed to work with our own means and for maritime transport not to be used as an instrument of commercial pressure," they conclude.

So far, Cabo Verde Interilhas has not commented publicly on these accusations. Meanwhile, in Brava, there is a growing sense of indignation among traders and consumers, who see this situation as yet another obstacle to the island's economic development and the basic right to access essential goods at fair prices.