Possible Fine Over Mailer Complaint

It is reported that Deutsche Post, the German postal service operator, may face heavy fines if it is ruled that a decision by the ministry for economic affairs to prolong the company’s monopoly on letter delivery for two years was unlawful. It is said that in 2000, when the decision was made, officials warned against the ministerial decision which ignored a demand by the postal and telecommunications regulatory body for lower postage charges. The German wholesale and retail association BGA had lodged a complaint against the prices imposed by Deutsche Post for letter delivery, adding that the excessive charges had been imposed with the support of the ministry in view of the income that they brought. The court hearing is due on August 7. The BGA believes that other complaints may follow its own.