Bulgaria’s PM: No evidence of speculative price increases in connection with introduction of the euro

There is no evidence of collusion and speculative price increases in connection with the introduction of the euro, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov said on December 5, according to the government information service.

Zhelyazkov said that this was clearly shown by the sectoral analysis of the pricing policy of retail chains in June, July and August.

“What has been achieved is the result of the preliminary control of the state and the partnership attitude of the retail chains, for which I would like to specially thank you,” he said, speaking at a public discussion of the interim sectoral analysis of the state of competition in modern retail trade in agricultural and fast-moving food products, organized by the Commission for the Protection of Competition.

He said that all recommendations must be carefully considered, with particular emphasis placed on those indicated by the commission.

Based on the results of the public consultations, regulatory and administrative changes must be clearly formulated to support the restoration and preservation of traditional Bulgarian industries, with the main goal being consumer protection.

Zhelyazkov congratulated the commission on its work on the analysis and welcomed the real dialogue that has begun with all stakeholders – institutions, employers, unions, retail chains, producers and consumers.

“The report provides a clear picture and can serve as a basis for measures and policies to improve traditional industries and the agricultural sector,” he said.

Zhelyazkov emphasised that control remains a key tool for consumer protection.

“This control will continue on the part of the executive branch and the CPC with the authority to initiate proceedings. The goal of the analysis, the subsequent dialogue and all proposals that should optimize the regulatory and administrative processes is one – transparency and predictability,” Zhelyazkov said.

He said that the analysis and the format of the December 5 discussion are the beginning of a careful conversation to overcome myths and properly address the problems, with full transparency, with the most important goal remaining building trust between consumers, producers and traders.

Bulgaria is to use euro as its currency as of January 1 2026, following approval by the relevant European institutions in July 2025.

For reliable official information on Bulgaria’s transition to the euro, the Association of Banks in Bulgaria has a Q and A, in English.

The official evroto.bg website has an English-language version, while the European Commission made available on July 8 a Q and A on Bulgaria’s changeover to the euro.

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