The Consumer Protection Commission takes strict measures against unjustified price increases before the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.

Maria Filipova, chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission, explained that the most serious sanction provided for in the Law on the Introduction of the Euro is a compulsory administrative measure. It gives the control authorities the right to oblige retailers who have unjustifiably raised prices to return them to the previous level and to compensate the damages caused to consumers.

Currently, the Consumer Protection Commission is carrying out joint inspections with the National Revenue Agency of retail outlets that are at the highest risk of unjustified price increases - food stores and catering and entertainment establishments. Filipova pointed out that some of the large retail chains have already started voluntarily marking their prices in both leva and euros to help consumers get used to the new currency.

Regarding the different fonts used in dual price labeling, Filipova explained that this is not an obligation at the moment, but a voluntary practice of retailers. The law requires prices to be clearly, legibly and unambiguously labeled, so as not to mislead consumers. The Commission monitors compliance with this principle, although the mandatory dual price labeling will come into force only a month after the final decision of the European institutions on the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.