New measures against price gouging in Bulgaria

"Progressive Bulgaria" is submitting a package of legislative changes to parliament aimed at curbing high food prices. The main focus is on the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) and the Consumer Protection Act.

"Our goal is to fight price gouging and put an end to profiteering," stated MP Konstantin Prodanov.

Key highlights of the proposals:

  • Expanding unfair practices: The list of unfair commercial practices is increased from 13 to 33 points.
  • Traceability register: Documentation of production along the entire supply chain for greater transparency.
  • Joint monopoly position: A measure inspired by the German model against large entities that manipulate the market.
  • Fair price: Introduction of a methodology for calculating a "fair price" by the Ministry of Economy, which would serve as a market benchmark.
  • Extension of the Euro Act: Mandatory daily provision of price information by major retail chains for another year.

The party emphasized that the measures do not constitute price caps, but are aimed at introducing a disciplinary effect on retailers and protecting the consumer basket.