Bónus vows to keep nationwide prices despite rising costs

Bónus will continue charging the same prices across Iceland despite rising delivery costs, the supermarket chain’s managing director told mbl.is.

Björgvin Víkingsson said increases in the kilometre-based charge and fuel costs would raise the cost of operating trucks that deliver goods around the country. The charge is due to rise by 30% at the turn of the year, while oil prices have increased by 40% this year. The full effect on Bónus’s costs is not yet known, nor is it clear whether the increases will affect its product prices.

“We will continue to compete to offer the lowest prices throughout the country,” Björgvin said.

Vilhjálmur Birgisson, head of the Icelandic Federation of General and Special Workers, described the kilometre-based charge on Facebook as an unreasonable and substantial tax on people outside the capital region. The farther goods and essential supplies have to travel, he said, the higher the cost for households.

Magnús Óli Ólafsson, chief executive of wholesaler Innness, urged the government to reconsider its fee increases, particularly in light of their impact on rural communities. He said people outside the capital region already face significant costs when travelling there to access services, and should not also have to contend with higher goods prices than residents of the capital region.