Supermarkets Under Scrutiny As Cost Of Living Pressures Mount

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: Woolworths and Coles supermarket signage on March 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Australia's two major supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths, have come under scrutiny for their role in the cost of living crisis in the country, with both companies significantly increasing their profits during the pandemic while consumers faced rising living costs, local media reports said. Former cabinet minister Craig Emerson is leading a government inquiry into supermarket pricing practices, while former ACCC chair Allan Fels is conducting a separate investigation in collaboration with the Australian Council of Trade, ABC News said. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)