Large-scale inspection reveals price anomalies for basic food products

A large-scale inter-agency investigation revealed drastic price increases for basic food products nationwide. Checks covering more than 160 commercial outlets in over 30 Bulgarian cities documented extremely diverse price jumps – from 5% to an impressive 83%.

Leaders of key institutions – Rumen Spetsov from the National Revenue Agency, Rosen Karadimov from the Commission for Protection of Competition, and Maria Filipova from the Commission for Consumer Protection, presented shocking results during a specially convened press conference. The highest percentage increase – 83% – was registered for mineral water in Veliko Tarnovo, while chicken meat in some commercial outlets increased by an impressive 40%.

Experts emphasized that price anomalies are not limited to large commercial chains but also affect local small stores. The geographical differentiation of price changes is particularly notable – with the most pronounced jumps in Veliko Tarnovo, while cities like Plovdiv and Burgas report relatively more moderate changes.

The Chairperson of the Commission for Consumer Protection, Maria Filipova, took decisive action by issuing 43 orders against unfair trade practices. Traders were given a five-day deadline to provide objective evidence of their pricing, risking financial sanctions of 50,000 leva for each identified violation in the absence of convincing arguments.

The Commission for Protection of Competition undertook an unprecedented large-scale study, requesting detailed information from 50 commercial chains regarding nearly 500 commercial outlets they manage. The goal is a comprehensive analysis of the competitive environment in both small settlements and large urban centers.

The investigating experts collected comprehensive information, including data on suppliers, supply and final selling prices, quantities, turnover, and trading areas. In parallel, a sectoral analysis of the food market is being conducted to identify potential violations such as unfair trade practices, abuse of dominant position, or prohibited agreements.

The report will serve as a basis for potential subsequent administrative and economic sanctions. The institutions are categorical that any unjustified price increase will be thoroughly investigated and sanctioned in accordance with current legislation.