site.btaConsumer Protection Commission Asks for Justification for Fuel Price Hikes from Gas Station Chains

The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has demanded that major gas station chains provide justification for recent increases in fuel prices, the regulator said.

Following a series of inspections into business practices on the fuel market across the country, the CPC found that several large fuel retailers have raised their average retail prices compared to previous periods. As a result, CPC Chair Maria Filipova ordered the companies to submit detailed written explanations, clarifying the reasons behind the price hikes.

The Commission expects the requested statements to be submitted within five days. These reports must clearly outline any objective economic factors, if present, that could justify the recent pricing changes.

Under Bulgarian legislation, commercial practices must adhere to principles of fairness and professional responsibility, taking into account how they affect consumer choice and behavior. The Commission noted that unjustified price increases, particularly when lacking sufficient economic rationale, may be considered a violation of these legal standards.

The Commission will continue to closely monitor developments in the fuel market in the coming months and stands ready to take the necessary measures to protect consumers if practices are identified that place them at a disadvantage or lead to unjustified price increases.

On June 3, the Commission launched an investigation on its own initiative to determine whether consumers' economic interests were being harmed in the retail fuel trade.

According to the Commission, any practices resulting in price increases without clear economic justification could violate principles of fairness and professional responsibility and may prompt regulatory intervention.