PM Zhelyazkov: No Evidence of Coordinated or Speculative Price Increases Linked to Euro Adoption

There is no evidence of coordinated or speculative price increases in connection with the introduction of the euro, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said during a public discussion on the interim report of the Commission on Protection of Competition, based on its sectoral analysis of the modern retail market for agricultural and fast-moving consumer goods. The discussion is being held at Sofia Tech Park on December 5.

The Prime Minister described the forum as highly representative and emphasised its importance for addressing key issues related to the food products market. He noted that the Commission on Protection of Competition is operating with a renewed membership, which he said is one of the significant achievements of the current National Assembly.

Zhelyazkov commended the CPC for conducting the sectoral analysis and welcomed the dialogue initiated with all stakeholders — institutions, trade unions, employers, retail chains, producers, processors and consumers. According to him, the report provides a clear and well-reasoned basis for future policies and measures in traditional industries and agriculture.

He pointed out that pricing data from retail chains for June, July and August confirm the absence of unjustified price increases — a result, he said, of preliminary oversight, the state’s engagement and the cooperative approach of the retail chains.

At the same time, the report points to examples of high trade mark-ups which can distort the market and put pressure on producers. The Prime Minister stressed that the CPC's recommendations should be carefully considered, including possible regulatory and administrative changes to support Bulgarian industries and consumers.

“Regulatory oversight remains a core component of market regulation and a guarantee for consumer protection,” he stated, adding that the aim is not to impose forceful policies, but to ensure better market functioning through dialogue and self-regulation.

“This format marks the beginning of a discussion aimed at dispelling myths and properly addressing problems in conditions of full transparency,” Zhelyazkov concluded.