Walmart (WMT) is bringing back the minimum basket fee for customers receiving US government assistance and subscribers to the Walmart+ Assist program, Reuters said Wednesday, citing an internal memo confirmed by the company.

The fee, which was waived during the COVID-19 pandemic for qualified customers, is being reinstated as the company expects a difficult year ahead due to a projected decline in consumer spending, the report said.

Shoppers using benefits like the government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, through Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, will now have to pay a $6.99 basket fee for grocery pickup and delivery orders under $35. Previously, this fee was waived for EBT users, the report said.

Walmart didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Price: 96.98, Change: +0.94, Percent Change: +0.98