TOKYO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Japan's antitrust watchdog plans to warn 15 major hotel operators in Tokyo for regularly communicating their respective room prices and occupancy rates, deeming the practice could lead to cartel behavior, local media reported Thursday.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission has notified the operators of these high-end Tokyo hotels of its impending issuance of administrative guidance that will call for them to halt the practice, Kyodo News reported, citing a source close to the matter.

Sales representatives and other officials of the hotels gathered nearly every month to share information, including plans for future room prices, the report said, adding the monthly meeting is believed to have continued for decades.

The commission's probe did not allege cartel-like collusion, such as coordinated, simultaneous rate increases. But some hotels reportedly set prices based on data from others.

The move comes as hotel room rates soared in the Japanese capital after the end of the coronavirus pandemic due to a surge of overseas visitors. ■