-The Netherlands’ consumer protection regulator has launched an investigation into pricing practices at Dutch supermarkets, it said on Thursday, after reports that groceries in the country are more expensive than in its neighbours.
Dutch consumer organisation Consumentenbond said earlier this year its research had shown German supermarkets on average were around 15% cheaper than Dutch ones.
Regulator the Authority for Consumers and Markets said the investigation would examine profit margins at both suppliers and retailers as well as price differences between the Netherlands and its neighbours.
It would also determine whether high grocery prices originated from market bottlenecks, it said.
“If suppliers obstruct supermarkets in purchasing lower-priced products or if there is insufficient competition between supermarkets, it can lead to higher prices,” the watchdog said.
If necessary, it may recommend legislative changes or take enforcement action against violations, the ACM added. It aims to publish its findings next summer.
(Reporting by Alban Kacher; Editing by Jan Harvey)
