AdC
Published 8 November 2026, 22:44
AdC — Autoridade da Concorrência (Competition Authority)
Portugal's competition watchdog: it makes sure companies do not carve up the market or collude on prices, approves or blocks mergers of large companies, and punishes abuse of market position. It affects individuals indirectly, through the prices of fuel, telecoms, groceries and banking services: it is the AdC that investigates cartels in these sectors. The board consists of a chair and two members (vogais), appointed after a compulsory hearing in parliament.
Where you come across it. A complaint about coordinated price rises, a question about a merger of supermarket chains or telecoms operators.
The AdC does not settle individual disputes with a seller: for faulty goods or a refused refund, you go to ASAE, an arbitration centre or a magistrates' court. The AdC punishes companies for their conduct on the market; it does not refund buyers.
Official website: concorrencia.pt/pt