Despite concerns about a sharp increase in the price of basic food products, experts assure that there will be no drastic changes in prices. However, the year is distinguished by higher fruit prices, according to the latest analyses of the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets.
Vladimir Ivanov, Chairman of the Commission, explained on the air of “The Day Begins“ on BNT that although the consumer basket is not affected by serious jumps, certain sectors are feeling pressure. “This year, fruit is more expensive – where nature hit the harvest, prices logically went up. "With vegetables, such as cabbage and onions, we are already seeing stabilization and even saturation of the market," Ivanov commented.
Among the main food commodities, only sugar is showing a slight increase - about 10 stotinki, although on world markets the trend is the opposite. “This is part of the usual cycle, there is nothing unusual. Currently, the price curves almost repeat those of last year“, the expert added.
The introduction of the euro does not pose any risks to price stability, Ivanov is categorical. He stressed that the minimum wage today has greater purchasing power compared to 2010. “The euro is an opportunity that we should not miss. It is important to look ahead and take advantage of the advantages it offers us“, urged the chairman of the DKSBT.
Ivanov also drew attention to the significant differences in the prices of the same products in different retail outlets. “The average price of yellow cheese may be reasonable, but in some stores there are offers with 30-40% higher values. In Sofia, for example, less than a kilometer away, apples can cost from 2 to 6 leva per kilogram. This does not mean that the price has jumped by 200% - it is just that the market is diverse“, he explained. Therefore, the expert advises consumers to be careful and informed when shopping. “The wholesale price is only one of the guidelines. At the moment, there are no negative trends, but awareness is key“, Ivanov concluded.