site.btaGovernment's Package of Measures against Rising Prices to Support Most Vulnerable Groups

The package of measures currently being prepared to curb rising prices will be aimed at supporting the most vulnerable groups, said caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov here on Tuesday. Together with Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova, they held a meeting with representatives of the Association for Modern Trade. The information was published on the Council of Ministers’ Facebook page.

The meeting was part of a series of discussions the caretaker cabinet is holding in connection with the preparation of a comprehensive package of measures to curb price increases and support consumers. Gurov emphasized that all possible actions will be considered within the framework of the 2025 Budget Extension Act, with which the government is working. Andrey Gurov also noted that the package will not distort the market but will be aimed at supporting the most vulnerable groups.

Participants in the meeting expressed the view that there are currently insufficient grounds for food price increases, while emphasizing that the situation remains dynamic and will be closely monitored.

The caretaker Prime Minister noted that the situation in the Middle East is yet another challenge following the crises surrounding COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, but at this stage there is no cause for concern among Bulgarian citizens. "It is important to act sensibly and in a balanced manner. The measures being drafted will be carefully targeted and aimed at supporting the most vulnerable," Gurov assured.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Social Assistance Agency published information on how to apply for the programme to compensate individuals for increased fuel prices following the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East. The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy said in a press release that the measure will be activated if the average retail price in the country for the widely used fuels A95H gasoline and/or transport diesel reaches or exceeds EUR 1.60/l for three consecutive days, based on National Revenue Agency data.