"More expensive at the cash til than the price placed next to the products and lack of information about the price next to the product on the shelf" are the allegations referred to by the competition and consumer protection regulator regarding Jerónimo Martins Polska, owner of the Biedronka retail chain.

The fine may amount to up to 10% of turnover.

"We had many signs from all over the country of irregularities in the supply of prices in the Biedronka chain of stores. They were reported by consumers and inspections," says the regulator’s president Marek Niechchial.

"It cannot happen that the customer sees an attractive price on the product and, after seeing the receipt, verifies that he has paid more. This is an unfair practice”.

In September, Jerónimo Martins confirmed that it had been prosecuted by the same regulator in Poland for suspected illegal commercial practices in its relations with fruit and vegetable suppliers.

In a statement sent to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) on 25 September, the group led by Pedro Soares dos Santos assured that it would "answer and clarify any questions in due time".

"Nevertheless, we are convinced that, in our relations with our suppliers (usually long-term), we comply with the law and follow the good practices in force in the market", said Jerónimo Martins at the time.