site.btaConsumer Watchdog Conducts 578 Inspections Feb.-Mar. across Retail Chains, Finds 549 Violations - Economy Minister

The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has conducted 578 checks across retail chains between mid-February and March 8, and has established 549 violations, caretaker Economy and Industry Minister Nikola Stoyanov told Darik Radio on Saturday. 

According to him, the number of established violations have been decreasing in recent days. “We’re seeing that the inspections have had a mobilizing effect on retailers, which take preventive measures to avoid violations,” he said.

Stoyanov noted that unfair trade practices were suspected in 216 of the violations. He gave as an example discrepancies in the price advertised and the actual price paid at the register, the product amount on the label and the actual weight, and the limited quantities of discounted products. 

“The focus in on retail chains, not because we’re pointing a finger at them, but because they hold a large market share,” the Minister explained.  

Stoyanov added that he does not support the measure where the State sets price caps. “I strongly believe in the [free] market and I am sure that it is the best thing for Bulgarians. In this case, measures are imposed because we see certain distortions,” he commented. 

The Economy Minister said that Bulgaria will insist before the European Commission that subsidies for agricultural producers in Bulgaria be brought to the same level as in Western Europe as early as this year.