As of today, the requirement for dual labeling of prices of goods and services in leva and euro officially came into force. This measure is a key step in Bulgaria's preparation for adopting the single currency, with the aim of ensuring transparency and protecting consumers from unjustified price increases. However, an inspection of the capital market showed that while large retail chains have introduced the change, there are still many gaps in smaller traders and markets. While some traders have conscientiously placed price labels in both currencies, many others lack such information.
This was commented on by "Nova TV".
According to Peyo Mayorski, chairman of the "Association for Consumer Protection", the lack of dual labels and their incorrect writing pose risks. “Our biggest concern is the possibility of unfair rounding of prices in favor of the trader, which is practically a hidden price increase“, he commented.
Majorski advised consumers to be extremely vigilant and to check for themselves whether the currency conversion was carried out at the official rate. He added that many traders in the markets, especially producers, are still not well informed about their obligations, which requires a more active explanatory campaign by the state.
Until October 8, the control authorities will only issue warnings, but after that date, violators will be fined. The market is calm, prices are driven by the season, not the euro
Despite concerns about speculation, wholesale market data show that the market for basic food products remains stable and is mainly influenced by the usual seasonal factors.
“There are no indications that the introduction of the euro is affecting prices at the moment. The market is operating according to a normal market mechanism based on supply and demand“, said Vladimir Ivanov, Chairman of the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets, in the program "Your Day" on NOVA NEWS.
According to the commission's data for the last two weeks, the following has been observed:
Price increases for tomatoes (10.17%), cucumbers (9.14%), lemons (7.01%) and apricots (7.05%). The increase is due to lower supply caused by the heat and problems with the harvest.
Watermelon prices down (-2.90%) due to a good harvest and strong supply.
Stable potato prices, while basic food products such as sugar and pork even reported a slight decline compared to last year.
“All these changes are the result of climate, supply and logistics. This is normal market dynamics, not some speculative process related to the euro“, Ivanov is categorical.
What's next?
Experts agree that consumers must remain active participants in the market process. This means comparing prices, looking for the most advantageous offers and reporting irregularities. While the authorities have the responsibility to control unfair traders, the strongest regulator remains consumer choice. If a product is unreasonably overpriced, reducing demand is the most effective way to return it to normal levels.