Coordinated actions are needed by all institutions to ensure an effective competitive environment in the food market. The Commission for the Protection of Competition is actively cooperating and in accordance with its powers. With the sectoral analysis of the food market, which we have begun, we have shown the full competitive picture in the sector. Bulgarian agriculture is on the verge of its survival. This was stated by Zhelyo Boychev, a member of the Commission for the Protection of Competition, in the program “Wake up“ on Nova TV.
He gave as an example the milk and dairy products sector, in which the CPC is conducting an in-depth study, after the submitted data showed some of the most serious deformations in the dairy sector. According to him, Bulgaria is the only country in the EU that in 2025 has a decrease in raw milk production by 8%, while other countries are in overproduction. “The EU is proposing measures for a voluntary reduction in production, and in our country the sector is on the verge of extinction. Preserving Bulgarian production is the foundation on which all measures and policies of the state should be based“, Boychev also said.
According to him, it is unfair that in a common competitive market, Bulgarian producers receive less funds and support than their colleagues from other European countries.
Boychev said that the Commission for the Protection of Competition has focused its work on the food pricing model, as well as on unfair trade practices, in which a dominant position of the large commercial supplier over the producer is observed. “The main goal is to prevent abuse of the dominant position of large retail chains over Bulgarian producers and suppliers. The position of agricultural producers in the entire supply chain is weak. Production is proving to be unprofitable and unattractive“, commented Zhelyo Boychev.
Regarding the fuel market in connection with the conflict in the Middle East, Boychev emphasized that the Commission for the Protection of Competition carries out constant monitoring of the sector and it is among the priorities in its work. Boychev stated that the Commission receives data from the National Revenue Agency on retail prices in the fuel market, which shows that the retail market is competitive with a clear price elasticity and no coordinated practices between the participants are found.
“However, we observe an outpacing rate of increase in wholesale prices compared to retail prices. We have noted a significant discrepancy in the wholesale market at its various levels and this is currently the subject of analysis by the Commission,” Boychev explained.
He also said that the CPC has made recommendations to the special manager of the Lukoil Group in Bulgaria to guarantee the competitive environment and prevent speculative storage of fuels.
Zhelyo Boychev: Coordinated actions are needed by the state to ensure a competitive environment in the food market
Boychev stated that the Commission for the Protection of Competition has focused its work on the food pricing model, as well as on unfair trade practices, in which a dominant position of the large commercial supplier over the manufacturer is observed.
Apr 4, 2026 11:53 59
