The Daily Star is set to halve its cover price from 5 October.
According to newsagents trade body the NFRN, retailers have been told the price will fall to 20p during the week, 30p on Saturdays and 50p for the Sunday edition.
It currently costs 40p in the week, 60p on Saturdays and £1 on Sundays.
Retailers have expressed concern about the move.
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NFRN president Ralph Patel said: “Northern & Shell is attempting to justify the move as a ‘very bold strategy to inject some overdue sales and excitement into the category’. Well, I disagree. In fact to me such a move can only be described as commercial suicide.
“Will independent newsagents be prepared to do double the work to get the same return as before? I don’t think so.
“Instead, I wouldn’t be surprised if members react by cutting back their Daily Star supplies or even removing the title from display. Based on the calls I’m getting from members it seems that the Stars won’t be coming out in many independent retailers’ stores from next week.”
The Daily Star currently has an ABC of 416,801, down 11.6 per cent year on year.
On a Sunday the title sells 261,425 – down 13.9 per cent year on year.
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