The European Commission has officially opened an antitrust investigation to assess whether energy drinks giant Red Bull has been illegally restricting competitors in the sector.

The EU commission said there are indicators that energy drink manufacturer Red Bull has restricted the sale of drinks larger than 250ml from its closest competitor.

Teresa Ribera, executive vice-president for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition said: “Today we are opening an investigation into Red Bull’s alleged plan to protect its well-known energy drink from rival products, in breach of competition rules. We want to see if these practices may be keeping prices high and limiting the choice of energy drinks for consumers. This investigation is part of the Commission’s continued efforts to enforce competition rules in the food supply chain to the benefit of European consumers.”

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The Commission in investigating whether Red Bull undertook anticompetitive practices, including providing monetary incentives to prevent competitors from selling rival drinks.

The drinks giant is accused of providing incentives to supermarkets and petrol stations at off-licence sellers to reduce the amount of competitor drinks sold.

A statement from the EU commission read: “This is the Commission’s first formal investigation into a potential abuse relating to the misuse of a category management position by a supplier to limit or disadvantage competing products.

“If proven, the practices under investigation may breach EU competition rules that prohibit the abuse of a dominant position. The Commission will now carry out its in-depth investigation as a matter of priority. The opening of a formal investigation does not prejudge its outcome.”

Red Bull has been contacted for a comment.