07:01 AM EDT, 09/05/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Kroger ( KR ) Chief Executive Rodney McMullen said Wednesday in court that inflation was behind rising grocery prices as he defended the grocery chain's proposed $25 billion merger with rival Albertsons ( ACI ), media outlets reported.

The US Federal Trade Commission is suing to block the merger, arguing that the deal is anticompetitive and would lead to higher prices.

McMullen cited higher supplier costs, fuel prices, and credit card swipe fees when asked about soaring food prices, reports said. He reportedly told the court the company would not raise prices after the merger.

"We believe over time, value will be increasingly important and you can't price your items above the market," McMullen was quoted saying by a Reuters source.

Kroger ( KR ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.