Entrepreneur warns Norwegian households are feeling the squeeze as prices rise

Idar Vollvik, founder of Norske Nettbutikker, argues that Norway's economy is hurting ordinary consumers as price growth and high interest rates erode household budgets. He observes that sales of capital goods, which once moved three to four units weekly, have fallen to roughly one every three months. Vollvik blames banks for miscalculating purchasing power, saying they ignore the fact that living costs have effectively doubled.

He also points to recent fuel tax hikes that pushed diesel prices close to 30 kroner per litre in some areas, further tightening budgets. While food prices have risen compared with the previous year, the overall inflation trend remains a concern for the central bank. Vollvik remains optimistic that conditions will improve, but does not anticipate a turnaround this year or the next.