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Clariant targeted by BP and ExxonMobil in ethylene case

The Swiss chemical group faces two new lawsuits filed in Germany, bringing the total compensation claims from oil and chemical companies to over €3.5bn ($3.7bn) in the ethylene collusion case.

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Swiss group Clariant is now facing two new lawsuits in the case of anti-competitive practices in the ethylene market. Legal actions initiated by BP Europe SE and ExxonMobil seek compensation of €1.1bn ($1.16bn) and €860mn ($906mn) respectively, according to a statement released Friday by Clariant.

Complaints filed in Munich and Dortmund

The two complaints were filed in Germany, with cases opened in the courts of Munich and Dortmund. They target not only Clariant but also three other companies in the sector already involved in the European Commission’s 2020 proceedings. Clariant stated that it “firmly rejects the allegations and will vigorously defend its position.”

These actions are part of a broader wave of litigation launched by major energy and chemical companies, following disclosures of price manipulation in the ethylene market. This compound is a base component in the production of plastics, notably polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in construction, automotive, and consumer goods industries.

Initial fine by the European Commission in 2020

In 2020, the European Commission imposed a €155.8mn ($164mn) fine on Clariant as part of a settlement with three other companies: Orbia, Celanese, and WestLake. These firms admitted to participating in a cartel aimed at artificially lowering ethylene prices, affecting the broader industrial supply chain.

The settlement did not preclude further civil litigation. The Commission had stated that “any person or company affected” retained the right to seek damages through national courts. Since then, several major players in the sector have pursued legal action to obtain compensation.

Multiple companies engaged in separate legal actions

Anglo-Dutch group Shell filed a complaint in 2023, seeking €1bn ($1.06bn) from the same four companies. In 2025, lawsuits multiplied: BASF in January, TotalEnergies in February, followed by Dow Europe and OMV in May. The combined compensation claims now exceed €3.5bn ($3.7bn), highlighting the legal consequences facing the companies involved.

Clariant, listed in Switzerland, did not indicate whether additional lawsuits are expected. The group continues to affirm its intention to contest the allegations in the appropriate courts.

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