Bulgarian Consumer Protection Commission reveals food markups up to 150%

The Bulgarian Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) has revealed significant price markups in retail chains, with some food products seeing increases of up to 150%. Maya Manolova, chair of the CCP, described the findings as ‘scandalous’ and ‘unconscionable’ following inspections of five major retail chains.

Specific dairy products showed extreme markups: 125% for butter, 99% for yellow cheese, 95% for white cheese, and 99% for fresh milk. Other investigations noted that while some supply costs decreased—such as a 14% drop in cucumber supply prices—retail prices for consumers continued to rise. The CCP is also conducting large-scale inspections into fuel prices at gas stations and banking fees.

Manolova noted that Eurostat data indicates Bulgarians pay some of the highest prices for dairy in Europe, despite national purchasing power being only 68% of the European average. The CCP is calling for legislative changes to allow for more effective sanctions against unjustified price hikes and is preparing a report on the ‘Care Basket’ initiative and promotional product pricing.