SOFIA, April 29, 2026 — Bulgaria’s Commission for Protection of Competition has called for coordinated action by government authorities and regulators to address structural competition issues in the country’s food and fuel sectors, warning that a lack of response from the executive risks undermining enforcement efforts.
The watchdog said it has not received any formal response from competent ministries or agencies regarding recommendations it issued following sector inquiries, despite legal obligations to do so.
Structural concerns in key sectors
The authority pointed to findings from its first sector inquiry into the food market, which identified deep-rooted structural problems contributing to rising prices. These include issues related to market concentration, pricing practices and supply chain dynamics.
The CPC is currently conducting further investigations into:
- Retail market structures in economically weaker regions;
- Pricing policies, discounts and margins between suppliers and retailers;
- The production, processing and distribution of milk and dairy products, including a review of a previously cleared merger in the sector.
Fuel market scrutiny and Lukoil probe
In the fuel sector, the authority reiterated concerns about market concentration linked to the dominant role of the Lukoil group, following ongoing proceedings against Lukoil Neftohim Burgas and Lukoil Bulgaria.
The CPC said it had submitted proposals to the government in March based on its market analysis, aimed at improving competition and addressing pricing dynamics in the sector.
Lack of government response
Under Bulgarian competition law, executive authorities are required to inform the CPC of measures taken in response to its recommendations and the timelines for implementation. However, the regulator said that, despite follow-up communications, no institution has provided such information.
“Without coordinated action by the executive, the independent actions of the competition authority alone would not lead to effective results,” the CPC said, adding that joint efforts are essential to improve transparency and limit anti-competitive practices.
Next steps and potential investigations
The authority’s chair has convened a closed meeting on May 12 to adopt a comprehensive package of measures covering three priority sectors: food, fuel and pharmaceuticals.
The CPC also signalled it may launch new investigations on its own initiative in these areas as part of its enforcement powers.
Call for institutional cooperation
The authority stressed that coordinated regulatory and policy action—common across EU member states—is necessary to deliver sustainable improvements in competition and consumer welfare.
It expressed confidence that Bulgaria’s new executive leadership would engage in closer institutional dialogue to strengthen competition and protect consumers.
Source: https://www.cpc.bg/news-497
