site.btaParliament Gives Council of Ministers Right to Adopt Temporary Countermeasures if Prices of Essential Goods, Services Rise Significantly

On Wednesday, Parliament adopted at second reading a bill to amend and supplement the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, which gives the Council of Ministers the right to adopt temporary countermeasures in the event of a significant increase in the prices of essential goods and services.

During the dual pricing period, traders offering goods and services to consumers shall set their prices in good faith and transparently, MPs also decided. In the event of price changes, they are required to provide the control authorities with documents proving the existence of objective economic factors upon request, the provisions further state.

MPs also voted that measures against possible unfair price increases by traders in connection with Bulgaria's membership of the eurozone should remain in force until August 8, 2026, rather than until the end of next year, as provided for in the texts at first reading.

Parliament also agreed that retailers who set their prices unfairly during the period of dual pricing in leva and euro risk financial penalties of between BGN 5,000 and BGN 1 million.

In addition, MPs decided that large retail chains should publish the final selling prices of all goods and services in the large consumer basket on their websites on a daily basis. Fines for failure to comply with the requirement to publish the price list will not be imposed for one month after the law comes into force.  

MPs voted on a proposal by Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria MP Martin Dimitrov, which allows small retailers to submit their prices to the Consumer Protection Commission. The editorial amendment, which allows traders to voluntarily submit price information, was voted on in the chamber with 146 votes in favor, 44 against, and 16 abstentions.

Parliament also approved that taxi drivers will be required to display prices in the two currencies starting October 31, 2025.

Double pricing of books, textbooks, teaching aids, and other printed works, including educational books and teaching kits, children's books with illustrations, for drawing or coloring, printed or handwritten sheet music editions will begin on January 1, 2026, MPs also decided.