The food minister will return the money from the grocery chains’ billion-dollar fine to the people

– If this ends with a fine of a significant amount, then the Center Party and I believe that it is wrong for that money to end up in the treasury. In that case, this will be money that people have paid too much when they have shopped in the shops, says Agriculture and Food Minister Geir Pollestad to NTB.

On Wednesday, the Norwegian Competition Authority handed out a fine of NOK 2.3 billion to Kiwi and Meny owner Norgesgruppen, and fines of NOK 1.3 billion to both Rema 1000 and Coop.

The chains are accused of illegal price collusion, which in turn has contributed to higher food prices.

Not finally decided

Pollestad emphasizes that the matter has not been finally settled, and that the chains have notified that they will appeal the decision. He also points out that it is industry minister Cecilie Myrseth (Ap) who speaks on behalf of the government about the matter itself.

– But if the chains end up paying the fines, it is only fair and reasonable that we find a way to return the money to people throughout Norway, he says.

He has not worked out exactly how that will happen.

– But it is conceivable that it could happen through the tax system or payments. We will use the time in the future to find a solution, says the food minister.

– Consumers lose

Pollestad points out that it is the consumers who will be the losers if the competition in the grocery market is too bad.

– Then it is reasonable that, in the event of a fine, they are compensated for the costs they have paid too much over the years, he says.

– Do you have the Labor Party with you on this?

– We have not discussed it in the government yet, but this is the Center Party’s view, says Pollestad.

He reminds that it may take time before the case is finally decided.

Lengthy process

Norgesgruppen, Coop and Rema 1000 all deny that they have engaged in illegal price collusion. On the contrary, they believe that the cooperation benefits consumers.

The chains have six months to appeal, and then the cases will go before the Competition Appeals Board.

If the fines are upheld, the conflict may end up in the legal system.

– It is conceivable that the matter will only be clarified in the next parliamentary term. Now we announce what we think is fair, and then we get to discuss it with the other parties, says Pollestad.