Competition Bureau secures agreement with Kalibrate to protect competition in the retail gas industry

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Competition Bureau has reached a consent agreement with Kalibrate to address competition concerns related to one of its data analytics products, which collects and distributes detailed data from gas stations across Canada.

A Bureau review concluded that the Kalibrate Market Intelligence product allowed competitors to access confidential and competitively sensitive information, such as volume of fuel sold by individual retailers.

The Bureau concluded that sharing this type of data, which offers visibility into competitors' activities, can weaken competition between gas stations and constituted an abuse of Kalibrate's dominant position in the supply of retail gasoline sales data.

To resolve the Bureau's concerns, Kalibrate has agreed to change how it shares gasoline market data. The agreement requires Kalibrate to:

• stop sharing retailer-specific information that could reveal a competitor's sales or pricing practices;
• only share aggregated market data that does not identify individual retailers;
• only share market data after a time delay.

When retailers have access to detailed information about their competitors' operations and performance, it makes it easier for them to monitor their competitors' actions. This can make it more likely for retailers to compete less aggressively, or to coordinate market behaviour, which can lead to higher prices at the pump.

More details on the Bureau's investigation, findings and the consent agreement, are available in the position statement.

Quotes

"The rising price of gas is a major concern for Canadians and even a small increase at the pump can have a significant impact on the daily costs we all pay. That's why it is essential that fuel retailers compete independently and vigorously. Protecting healthier competition in the retail gasoline industry benefits Canadians through lower prices and greater choice."

Jeanne Pratt
Interim Commissioner of Competition

Quick facts 

• Kalibrate's primary business in Canada includes data services in relation to retail gas and diesel, such as providing competitive intelligence, location consulting, and pricing services.
• Kalibrate Canada is a subsidiary of Kalibrate Technologies Ltd., a UK-based company that provides data and consulting services to a variety of industries.
• Kalibrate acquired the Kent Group Ltd in 2021 and, through that acquisition, gained access to an extensive historical database on the Canadian retail gas and diesel market.
• The Kalibrate Market Intelligence product is also referred to as Kent Data.
• In July 2024 the Bureau obtained a court order requiring Kalibrate to provide information relevant to its investigation into the company's gas pricing services.
• When the Bureau identifies competition concerns, it may seek a consent agreement to protect consumers and businesses.
• Consent agreements are registered with the Competition Tribunal. They are legally binding and have the force and effect of a court order.
• This marks the first time the Bureau has used the restructured abuse of dominance provisions introduced through the 2023 amendments to the Competition Act to resolve a case through a consent agreement.

Related products

• Consent agreement registered with the Competition Tribunal
• Competition Bureau statement regarding its agreement with Kalibrate to protect competition in the Canadian retail gas industry

Associated links

• Competition Bureau advances an investigation into Kalibrate's gas pricing services 
• Abuse of dominance
• Anti-competitive Conduct and Agreements

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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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