The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has urged a U.S. District Court judge to block the proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, arguing that it would eliminate competition and increase food prices for consumers already facing inflation. During the closing arguments, FTC lawyers emphasized that both companies primarily compete with each other rather than larger retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Kroger and Albertsons countered that the merger would enhance their ability to compete against these giants and lower prices for shoppers. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson is expected to make a decision on the preliminary injunction soon, while the FTC also prepares for further legal challenges in Washington and Colorado. The merger, if permitted, would entail the sale of 579 overlapping stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers, although the FTC claims this buyer is unprepared to maintain service levels. Prominent opposition includes labor unions and consumer advocates who argue that the merger could harm workers' wages and lead to closures, creating food deserts in affected communities.