(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission said Monday it had filed cartel charges against companies that make hoses used to load oil on tankers.

While Europe's top competition watchdog did not name the targeted companies, it said they were accused of "alleged participation in a cartel in violation of EU rules on restrictive business practices."

The charges follow EU antitrust raids a year ago in Britain, France and Italy looking for evidence of suspected price fixing.

If the companies are unsuccessful in defending themselves against the charges, they could face hefty fines from the commission, which has made cracking down on illegal cartels a top antitrust priority.

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