Just as news agencies and the CEOs of and DuPont had begun reporting that the merger of the two US chemical powerhouses was close to receiving all regulatory approvals, antitrust authorities in India have announcd they have concerns about the $130 billion deal.

In a statement on Mar. 22, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it is “of the prima facie opinion that the proposed combination between Dow Chemical Company and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company is likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition."

The authority has not been explicit about its concerns but said it has sought public opinion on the deal and has directed the two companies to publish details of their proposed merger.