Bulgarian Regulators Unite to Prevent Price Abuse Ahead of Euro Adoption
Sofia, The Gulf Observer: In a strategic move to ensure market stability and consumer protection ahead of Bulgaria’s planned adoption of the euro on January 1, 2026, three key regulatory bodies—the National Revenue Agency (NRA), the Commission on Consumer Protection (CCP), and the Commission on Protection of Competition (CPC)—have signed a joint cooperation agreement aimed at curbing unjustified price hikes and unfair commercial practices during the transitional period.
Announcing the agreement at a joint press conference, agency leaders unveiled a nationwide inspection campaign that has already begun across more than 150 retail outlets in over 30 cities. The initial focus is on 14 essential food categories, with plans to expand surveillance to other consumer goods and services.
NRA Director Rumen Spetsov emphasized that while the state will not interfere with legitimate profit margins, it will rigorously investigate cases of speculative or abusive pricing. “We are not here to control markups directly, but we will intervene if there is evidence of price manipulation or consumer deception,” he stated.
One of the agreement’s cornerstones is a commitment to frequent, on-the-ground inspections. Officials also addressed concerns around dual pricing, following reports of confusion caused by unclear euro labelling. CPC Chair Maria Filipova highlighted issues where euro prices were presented on red promotional stickers, typically used to denote discounts, misleading customers. To combat this, official pricing templates have been made available on the CPC website, and businesses are strongly urged to comply.
Alongside price transparency, tax and social security compliance are also under scrutiny. Anna Mitova from the NRA confirmed that inspections—launched under the directive of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov—will include thorough checks of documentation and fiscal reporting. Where unjustified price increases are detected, authorities expect to see a corresponding rise in declared VAT. A mismatch will trigger further investigation.
Filipova described the agreement as a “historic level of inter-agency coordination,” signaling the regulators’ collective determination to safeguard both consumers and honest businesses during the euro transition. “This is a unified front. Any trader who tries to exploit the situation will face full legal consequences,” she asserted.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspected violations through the NRA’s call center, email, mail services, or the online platforms of the CCP and CPC. The agencies promised prompt and decisive action on each complaint.
Nikolay Valkanov, representing the Association for Modern Trade, echoed the warning: “Those who deceive customers won’t just face fines—they’ll lose public trust. And once that’s gone, so is their business.”
As Bulgaria prepares to join the eurozone, authorities are making it clear: fair competition and consumer protection will be rigorously enforced.
