If you ever wondered why the prices and timetables of the ferry companies which operate from Ibiza were so similar, the truth is now out. Five of the shipping companies which operate the boats between the mainland and the Balearic Islands have been fined a total of €54 million for forming an illegal cartel.
Spain's National commission of Competition imposed the fines after a formal complaint about their trading methods from the Consell of Ibiza. The companies were adjudged to be guilty of reaching a secret accord on market sharing, prices, timetables and other commercial conditions, from 1995 onwards.
We can only hope that this punishment will lead to a better service for the people and visitors to Ibiza.