Retail chains are selling "golden" Bulgarian dairy products at mark-ups of between 95% and 135%, and the Consumer Protection Commission (KZP) has opened 19 cases over unjustified price rises. Commission chair Maya Manolova said this at a briefing at its headquarters, BGNES reported.
The biggest mark-up, 135%, is on "golden" butter. Fresh milk and kashkaval cheese are each marked up by 99%, while the highest mark-up found on white brined cheese is 95%. Manolova said the standard mark-up on dairy products in European countries is about 25%.
What happened before: Consumer watchdog finds 125% markup on butter at a retail chain
"Don't you think it is scandalous for a Bulgarian product to be sold with a 95% mark-up?" she asked.
Inspectors also found price rises on basic goods in the small shopping basket. "We came across even more striking information and suspected violations," Manolova said.
The KZP has also started proceedings to impose penalties. If a violation is proved, the fine is between €10,000 and €100,000. Checks on mark-ups at the chains are not finished.
Straight after the briefing, Manolova and KZP colleagues are taking a complaint to the Commission for Protection of Competition (KZK). She believes the KZK should protect Bulgarian producers. In her words, Bulgarian consumers and the government want people in Bulgaria to be treated the way they are in other European countries.