This morning, a major player in the supermarket industry is adding insight to soaring food prices. K Ceo Rodney mcmullin took the stand yesterday in a hearing that could determine the fate of a proposed merger with his company's rival. Albertson's, the Federal Trade Commission is trying to temporarily block the $24 billion merger claiming it would eliminate competition and lead to higher food prices. But mcmullin told the court, the merger would allow the combined company to prices to better compete with Wal Mart and Costco. When asked why food prices are up 25% since 2019. Mcmullin blamed rising supplier costs fuel prices and credit card fees, but mcmullin is making a promise. He is pledging to cut grocery prices by $1 billion on day one. If the merger is approved, the court hearing on that proposed merger is expected to last through next week, Rian and Alley ABC News New York. Now last week during that same hearing, another Kroger executive admitted to gouging prices on select items above inflation levels.