Research of Competition in the Market of Natural Monopolies in the Novosibirsk Region

The results of the activities of natural monopolies have a significant impact not only on the economic development of the country, but also on the status of the state in the world market. The purpose of the work is to study the competitive environment in the markets of natural monopolies in the Novosibirsk region. The materials were scientific works by Russian and foreign authors, data from government agencies and official websites of representatives of natural monopolies of the Novosibirsk region. Desk methods were chosen as research methods, namely content analysis of documents and analysis of statistical indicators. The article presents the factors determining the presence of natural monopolies, the number of subjects and the structure of the natural monopoly market in the Novosibirsk region are given, the largest representatives of natural monopolies are noted, the role of the state and public organizations in the process of regulating the activities of representatives of natural monopolies in the Novosibirsk region is noted. Based on the above, it is concluded that maintaining an optimal level of competition in the markets of natural monopolies is one of the most difficult and important state tasks. On the territory of the Novosibirsk Region, natural monopolies exist in the fields of water supply and sanitation, electric and thermal energy, gas transportation, water and rail transportation. During the study period, an increase in the total number of organizations was revealed, especially in the market for the transmission of electric and (or) thermal energy and the market for water supply and sanitation. There is a reduction in the market for gas transportation through pipelines as a result of changes in the macroeconomic and political situation. In order to maintain an optimal level of competition, the activities of natural monopoly entities are under constant control from the Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service for the Novosibirsk Region, the Department of Tariffs of the Novosibirsk Region, as well as public organizations. The implementation of state control measures helps to reduce administrative offenses on the part of natural monopoly entities, ensures that their activities meet the goals of socio-economic development of the Novosibirsk region and the interests of consumers.