Energy prices to be at a similar level to last year

Northern and central Norway will likely get energy prices below 30 øre per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the rest of the summer, followed by prices of 45 øre per kWh for the winter, according to energy analyst Olav Botnen.

“It will be a little cheaper (in the north) than last winter, as expectations are now,” he told Norwegian newswire NTB.

This is because the north and central regions also benefit from wind power, not just energy generated by hydroelectric facilities.

Similar prices to last year are expected in southern Norway.

“In southern Norway, the market expects around 45 øre per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the rest of the summer, August to September. For winter, expectations are around 80 øre per kWh. It is quite similar to what was delivered last winter,” he told NTB.

Analyst Gro Klæboe from Volue Insight said a fall in gas prices could bring down energy costs across the continent, which could have positive knock-on effects for Norway and the other Nordic countries.

Good summer for Norwegian tourism

Norway could be on course for a record summer of tourism in 2024, according to industry organisation NHO Reiseliv.

“The feedback from companies in 2023 was that it was the best turnover many had ever had. 2024 seems to be able to top this,” CEO Kristin Krohn Devold told NTB.

Vestland, Telemark, and Troms had the highest proportion of companies reporting a similar or better summer than last year.

“We see that even though the weather has not always been the best, people around the country are good at finding things inside if it rains. When it is not possible to lie on the beach, people leave money in restaurants and in activity parks,” Devold said.

Chocolate spread recalled

First Price chocolate spread in 400-gram jars has been recalled due to incorrect allergy labelling on the packaging.

The product has been recalled because a certain batch contains small amounts of hazelnuts, and the allergy advice is that the product “may contain traces of nuts.”

“Consumers with an allergy to hazelnuts are asked to throw the product away or return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund,” a press release from the brand’s owner, Norgesgruppen, said.

Record number of university students admitted into first-choice

Of the 126,250 applications submitted to education admissions service Samordna this year, 109,498 have been offered a study place. This is an increase of 4.7 percent from last year.

“Studies are a milestone in the life of the individual, but they are also important for society as a whole. To solve the challenges we face going forward, we need both knowledge and wisdom,” PM Jonas Gahr Støre said of the figures.

A record number of those to be offered a study place, 66,923, have been admitted into their first choice.