Bergen, November 7, 2025 — The Norwegian Competition Authority has cautioned against extending the current maximum price regulation for taxis hailed on the street or at stands, warning that it could lead to higher, not lower, fares for passengers.
In its response to a consultation by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, the authority said the regulation — introduced in 2024 to restore public trust in taxi pricing — may have had the opposite effect.
“We see signs that the maximum prices have been used as fixed prices, which has led to higher prices and less competition,” said senior adviser Fredrik Sortland.
According to the ministry’s own assessment, the cap appears to have encouraged price coordination among drivers and companies, raising fares for both hailed and pre-booked rides.
The authority emphasized that taxis are already required to inform passengers of the fare before the trip begins. If the pre-agreed price turns out to be higher than the meter price, passengers must pay the lower amount.
“Instead of introducing new rules that may increase prices for everyone, the focus should be on ensuring that the existing rules are followed,” Sortland said.
Source: https://konkurransetilsynet.no/makspris-pa-praiing-kan-gi-dyrere-drosjeturer/
