The state undertakes unprecedented measures to prevent price speculation upon the introduction of the euro.

Two weeks after the start of the large-scale inspections carried out by the Revenue Agency, the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) and the Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) to prevent speculative price increases with the introduction of the euro, the chairperson of the CCP, Maria Filipova, commented on the results in an interview for BNT.

Filipova stressed that the inspections are unprecedented in frequency and scale, targeting the most high-risk sectors - food stores, catering and entertainment establishments. She categorically stated that speculative price increases will not be allowed and that serious penalties will be imposed in case of established violations.

According to Filipova, the inspections cover not only the final traders, but the entire supply chain. The agencies have requested data for the six-month period before the request for the extraordinary convergence report, to prevent a repetition of the situation from the beginning of the year.

The CCP will have the power to oblige traders to reduce prices in case of unjustified increase, as well as to compensate consumers for damages. These sanctions will be imposed even if appealed, as the appeal will not stop the execution.

The Commission will monitor violations in the "trader and individual" relationship, and the CPC - in the "trader-trader" relationship. For each established unfair trade practice, there will be a fine of 50,000 levs.

Among the preventive measures provided for in the euro law is the creation of a website that will announce weekly prices of food products in large chains. Some chains have already started voluntarily double-marking prices, but this is not yet mandatory. Other chains that display prices in different currencies have been instructed to discontinue this practice.

Filipova also commented on the photo of a sandwich from the airport in Sofia, posted on social media, priced at 39 levs and 39 euros, explaining that this frame is manipulated and represents only the first attempts at manipulation and sowing fear in society.