Sofia, June 19, 2025 — Bulgaria’s Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has launched a wide-ranging sectoral analysis of the market for essential food products, amid public concern over rising prices and potential anti-competitive practices in the supply chain.
This marks the first large-scale market study initiated by the CPC’s new leadership and comes at a time when the cost of everyday staples such as eggs, dairy, meat, bread, flour, and cooking oil continues to climb. The investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind these increases, assess whether they are economically justified, and determine whether any violations of competition law have occurred.
The CPC will scrutinize the entire supply chain — from producers and distributors to major retail chains — with a particular focus on pricing mechanisms, delivery conditions, and potential coordinated behaviors. The study also examines how the upcoming introduction of the euro in Bulgaria could affect food prices, with the Commission pledging to monitor developments through the end of 2026.
In a statement, the CPC said the analysis will allow it to propose concrete measures and policy recommendations aimed at ensuring fair market conditions and protecting consumers from unjustified price inflation.
“If signs of unfair commercial practices, abuse of dominance, or cartel-like agreements are found, the Commission will act on its own initiative and initiate proceedings,” the CPC said.
The authority has already begun collecting data from food producers, retailers, and other market participants. Cooperation is underway with the National Revenue Agency and the Consumer Protection Commission, under a tripartite agreement designed to improve institutional coordination.
The CPC is encouraging businesses and individuals with relevant information to contribute to the inquiry via its email address (delovodstvo@cpc.bg) or anonymous whistleblower platform (https://www.cpc.bg/signals).
