An expectation was created in society that the state should do something to protect people from unjustified price increases. As a result, amendments were proposed to the Euro Law, which were quite substantial and quite quickly and uncoordinated – even with business, the public and consumer organizations“.
This was commented on “This Morning“ by Dimitar Margaritov, former chairman of the Consumers' Confederation and Deputy Minister of Economy.
“What has happened in recent days, however, is an optimistic signal, because a fairly large part of the texts have been revised – I assume the opinions of various organizations have been taken into account. In my opinion, we can expect a relatively normal compromise“, he pointed out.
“Our concerns were addressed to the powers of the inspection bodies. An explicit deadline was introduced within which they can request documents, text about trade secrets. We saw a will in the people's representatives. I hope that a working mechanism will be created. What worries us is that the deadline that was given for a year and a half – to freeze the commercial activities of the companies, was reduced to one year, but it is still very large“, commented Yana Stratieva, executive director of the "Food and Beverage Bulgaria" Association.
According to her, the period of freezing prices should be until the end of March.
Richard Alibegov, co-chairman of the Association of Restaurants, explained why there is an increase in prices in his sector.
„We have an increase in rents of over 20% since the beginning of the year, we have an increase in salaries of over 25%, the VAT refund from 9% to 20%, there were also problems with electricity“, he pointed out.
„We also receive emails from suppliers of food, beverages and imported goods - to expect a price increase from September. "Why are prices being raised for the branches right now," Alibegov asked.
“If the regulations come into force, this will be impossible“, said Yana Stratieva.
According to her, small traders are raising prices because they expect others to do so.