Grocery Prices Must Be Fair Across Greenland

PRESS RELEASE

The continued rise in grocery prices across Greenland is affecting household finances. Yet no action is being taken. This is despite the Chair of Naalakkersuisut calling for lower prices at KNI A/S’s Annual General Meeting last year. It is regrettable that the companies apparently disregard the demands of the country’s highest political leader.

Residents of smaller towns and settlements are particularly hard hit because they have limited opportunities to choose between competing shops and compare prices.

In larger towns, residents can choose between different shops and take advantage of special offers. These opportunities are not available to the same extent in smaller towns and settlements, where residents therefore have to pay more for essential groceries.

It is particularly surprising to examine grocery prices and discover just how significant the price differences can be in some cases.

These circumstances should be investigated further. In recent years, supply ships have sailed to Disko Bay almost without interruption during the winter. It should therefore also be examined how much storage costs contribute to grocery prices.

It is important that local shops remain financially viable, but the financial circumstances of residents must also be taken into account.

Over the past two years, the cost of living for residents has not received the attention it deserves. It is time to examine these expenses more closely. We therefore call on Naalakkersuisut to establish a clear political direction and initiate an investigation in the interests of Greenland and its people.

The investigation should include the following:

1. An examination of grocery prices in different parts of Greenland.
2. A comparison of grocery prices in Nuuk, smaller towns and settlements.
3. An examination of how transport costs affect grocery prices.
4. An examination of the conditions and options available to those responsible for the day-to-day operation of shops in settlements and smaller towns.
5. Improved public access to information about grocery prices.

We do not believe that this issue can be resolved by market forces alone. Naalakkersuisut must take responsibility and address the current situation. A thorough and realistic proposal is needed, with a focus on concrete solutions.

KNI significantly increased its profit in the 2025/2026 financial year compared with 2024/2025. This profit was achieved during a period when the range of products available in Pilersuisoq shops was reduced and opening hours were shortened, particularly in settlements.

During the summer, when shops were previously at their best stocked, shelves have never been as empty as they are now. Nevertheless, Pilersuisoq’s profit has increased.

This leaves us with one obvious explanation: Grocery prices are too high.

Siumut in Kommune Qeqertalik