Ticketmaster Under Scrutiny for Oasis Ticket Pricing

Britain's competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster's use of dynamic pricing for Oasis tickets, where fans faced inflated costs. Thousands who tried to purchase tickets found prices surged over £355, instead of the advertised £148.50. The CMA will examine whether Ticketmaster breached consumer protection laws.

Britain's competition watchdog on Thursday initiated a probe into Ticketmaster concerning the sale of Oasis tickets, which included the controversial 'dynamic pricing' strategy that spiked costs for fans at the last minute.

Thousands of fans endured long waits in virtual queues for tickets to the British band's reunion shows next summer, only to find an unexpected surge in prices due to 'dynamic pricing.' Advertised at £148.50 ($195.10), many tickets ended up costing over £355.20.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it would scrutinize whether Ticketmaster's sale methods breached consumer protection laws, focusing on 'unfair commercial practices,' timely information about 'dynamic pricing,' and pressure tactics on buyers. Fans are urged to submit evidence of their experiences, while Ticketmaster has yet to comment. Oasis disclaimed knowledge of the pricing tactics, attributing decisions to promoters. The government also plans to examine the broader issue of dynamic pricing during high-demand periods.

(With inputs from agencies.)